Officers are appealing for the public's help after a 4x4 vehicle was stolen from Knebworth Park and subsequently used in a burglary at John Lewis.

At around 1am on Sunday morning (15 January), two males broke into the estate office at Knebworth Park and gained access to a safe. They removed car keys and then stole a black Mitsubishi L200 (registration plate AJ55 SKF). It is believed that the suspects had entered the Knebworth Park estate at around midnight (crime reference 41/3947/23).

Shortly afterwards, the stolen vehicle was used in a burglary at John Lewis in Welwyn Garden City.

At around 2.30am, the Mitsubishi and a motorbike pulled up outside the store. One suspect was with each vehicle and they were both wearing motorbike helmets.

The Mitsubishi was reversed into a window, causing it to smash. One suspect then entered the store and stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery. Both suspects then fled the scene on a motorbike heading towards Bridge Road (crime reference 41/3950/23).

Detective Sergeant Thomas Hassall, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit, said: "I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about either burglary to get in touch. 

"A car was seen driving around The Campus roundabout just as the motorbike drove away and the driver/occupants of this car could be useful witnesses. If this was you, please get in touch and if you have a dash cam please also check that.

"I'd also like to hear from any other drivers who were in the area – either near John Lewis or Knebworth Park - and again, I ask that you please check any dash cam footage you might have.

"If you can help, please email me at Tom.Hassall