The manager of a jewellery store in Harpenden that was broken into last month has thanked residents for their support.

Mitchell Barres, who runs Loveweds in High Street, has had a constant flow of shoppers coming into the store since the break-in on Wednesday, March 20.

About £150,000 worth of items, including Rolex watches and diamonds, were stolen.

A member of staff was also taken hostage during the break-in. Mr Barres said: "Customers old and new have come in. They’ve all been really supportive.

"Every hour since people have been coming in and making sure that I’m all right. They’ve been really good.

"There is a lot of community spirit coming through."

The shop reopened on Friday, April 12.

Mr Barres said: "I’m glad that we’ve decided to reopen as soon as we have.

"Everything looks a lot better than it did.

"It has been hard to come back.

"It is good to know that we have lots of local support. It has been a big help."

Three men face charges of kidnap and robbery in connection with the break-in.

Ashley Latimer-Bassill, of Crane Mead in Ware, Daniel Stanley from Travellers Lane in Hatfield, both 24, and 21-year-old Jamie Kalaiarasu from Archer Road in Stevenage remain in custody.

Mr Barres said: "I just want to say a big thank you for all the support. It is much appreciated. It is worth coming back for."