ANTIQUE store owner Michael Lojko has told how he confronted two raiders who broke in to steal £20,000 worth of gold rings.

Mr Lojko, 60, who has run The Old Sweet Works antiques and collectables shop in Church Street for more than 15 years, didn’t hesitate when he found a hooded intruder, who had broken the glass on a cabinet with gold rings worth thousands, at 8.45pm last Thursday.

He shouted at the man and chased him out of the door, where he saw the intruder help up his female accomplice, who had been keeping watch outside, after she had fallen during their escape towards Church Walk.

Mr Lojko said: “I was watching TV upstairs and I heard a bashing on the door and then the bell which rings when the shop door opens went, so I rushed downstairs and saw there was a hooded intruder dressed in black.

“He had smashed the cabinet with gold jewellery rings in which are worth around £20,000, but I shouted at him and chased him out of the shop, where I saw he had a young girl accomplice.

“After they ran off down Church Walk, I ran back in and called the police as I only had my slippers on and couldn’t chase after them. The police response was excellent and with the CCTV they are confident they can find them.

“They passed around £15,000 to £18,000 worth of antiques to get to the cabinet so I think they had been in the shop before and knew what it was they wanted to steal. It was just an instant reaction to confront them and protect my shop.”

The intruder used a crowbar to open the door and Mr Lojko has now upgraded the locks.

A magazine in Polish and Polish branded beer were left at the shop, and have been taken by police for evidence.

Mr Lojko described the man as in his early 20s, 5ft 11ins, tall and slim, while the woman was also in her early 20s. He said they were both wearing black hoodies and trousers.

Chris Chammings, sector inspector for Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, said: “We are looking for anyone who may have seen the people matching this description to contact us on 101.

“We would advise people to contact the police immediately if they believe someone is in their property and to avoid confronting them wherever possible as public safety is our top priority.”