THE owner of the antiques market in Devizes Market Place says she is to stop selling jewellery after a burglary at her premises last week.

Judy Coom, who has run Upstairs Downstairs for many years, was distraught when she discovered the break-in last Thursday morning.

Thieves had climbed on the roof between her premises and Superdrug next door and forced two windows to gain entry.

They were unable to get into the main part of the building but helped themselves to the contents of cabinets in the rooms at the back of the building, which are rented from Mrs Coom by a number of different dealers.

She said: "It's the most horrible feeling to come in and find someone has been in and taken your property. I know how people must feel who have had their homes burgled."

The raiders left valuable paintings and books but stripped cabinets of jewellery as well as other items.

Perhaps the most identifiable thing stolen was a Guinness Toucan clock, although there was also a rare Clarice Cliff Tulip vase. Pieces of Wedgwood jasperware were also taken.

Mrs Coom said: "They must have been very agile to get along the roof. They took the jewellery because it is easier to carry and, presumably, to dispose of.

"Other antiques centres in Hungerford and Newbury have stopped selling jewellery and I think I will have to do the same."

Mrs Coom is to take action to prevent other thieves from taking the rooftop route into the building.

Devizes police have confirmed that they are investigating the burglary in which some £3,500 of items were stolen.

Five dealers lost property in the raid, one of them losing an entire cabinet full of jewellery.

Any information should be given to Devizes police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.