A JEWELLER has praised police and Weymouth's crime-busting security cameras after a smash and grab raid was foiled days before Christmas.

Paul Arnold, owner of HJ White Weymouth Goldsmiths in St Mary Street, says the business he has run with wife Anne for 26 years has been burgled more than 15 times.

He was alerted by the police early yesterday when a break-in was reported at the store.

A silent alarm was triggered when entry was gained through a window in the arcade that runs between St Mary Street and Maiden Street.

At the same time police officers in a patrol car spotted a suspicious male in the area and went to investigate.

They arrested a man on suspicion of burglary and contacted CCTV operators because they suspected another person was involved. As a result of viewing CCTV footage a man was arrested near the railway station about an hour later.

Mr Arnold, 57, said a gold chain, rings and a holdall were stolen.

Other items of jewellery were locked away in a safe, which was not disturbed.

Mr Arnold said: "The police did very well in apprehending the suspects.

"I know they've got a difficult job to do, but they were on the ball with this one.

"Christmas trade has been going well and the last thing I wanted was another break-in."

He added: "I think CCTV does make a difference. I can't see the argument for it infringing on people's liberties because the way I see it is if you haven't done anything wrong then you've got nothing to worry about.

"I'm not sure about the government's ID card proposal, though. It's a waste of money."

Sergeant David Hughes of Weymouth East police said: "This was excellent work by patrolling officers, who first noticed a suspicious man in the area of the shop.

"As a result of enquiries with the control room a second man was identified on CCTV footage and captured.

"The CCTV system proved invaluable in this incident."

A 30-year-old man from Liverpool and a 39-year-old man of no fixed abode are helping police with enquiries.