A THIEF used a make-shift battering ram in a bid to break into an historic Southampton shop.

Using a plank of wood wedged in a shopping trolley the would-be raider tried to break his way into the Cobwebs shop at Old Northam Road.

However, the attempt only managed to cause damage to a window at the front of the shop and the man fled empty handed.

Although the attempt was unsuccessful the same man is thought to have returned two days later when he did manage to get into the shop that sells maritime and aviation memorabilia and antiques.

He stole around £1,600 of watches and jewellery including an Omega Seamaster, RAF watch and Versace ring.

The man was captured on CCTV footage loitering around the area outside the shop on both occasions, firstly between 5am and 6am on Saturday morning and then in the early hours of Monday.

Anyone who has any information about the robbery can contact PC Russell Smith at Southampton Central police station on 0845 045 4545.