Police after helping to capture a suspected jewellery thief.

The pair saw a hammer-wielding raider breaking into Front Street's Walker Christopher jewellery store in the early hours yesterday.

Acting independently, they noted such details as the licence number of the crook's getaway bike and passed on the information to Police.

Within minutes Police arrested the suspect in Mount Hill, Pembroke, and recovered jewellery worth thousands of dollars.

Now the pair -- described as an example to the community in the fight against increasing crime -- could be in line for a reward.

"I think what they did is absolutely fantastic,'' said Police spokesman Insp.

Roseanda Jones.

"If it were not for their assistance the Police would not have been able to locate the perpetrator of the crime as quickly as they did. This kind of thing needs to be encouraged. I can't say that enough.'' Police were alerted to the store at about 2.30 a.m yesterday after the burglar alarm went off.

Mr. Simons told The Royal Gazette he was driving past the scene when he saw the thief using a tool to smash his way into the store.

"I saw the number of the cycle and told the Police.'' Mr. Simons -- who was unaware Mr. Williams was nearby and also recording vital details -- said he had been in touch with the store since the theft.

"They thanked me for what I did.'' Walker Christopher manager Mr. Bill Wivell hinted the public-spirited pair could receive a reward.

"We will be contacting them shortly and thanking them in person,'' he said.

"If more of the public come forward like these two it should help a lot.'' Mr. Wivell said the thief used a large sledgehammer to breach one of the store's display windows and grab jewellery from trays.

"The glass is laminated and does not shatter,'' he explained.

Stolen items included a necklace, and two bracelets, all gold.

"We are not exactly sure of the value of the haul, although we are talking about thousands of dollars.

"We are still carrying out an inventory.'' A 28-year-old Devonshire man was helping Police with their inquiries yesterday.