SMASH and grab thieves have stolen thousands of pounds worth of rings from a jewellers.

The raiders struck early Monday at H. Samuel in Military Road, Chatham.

Police say the thieves smashed a shop window and stole dress and signet rings, valued between £3,000 and £5,000.

Shop manager Allan Smith said: "I got a call at home In the early hours of the morning and was told about the raid.

"The rings taken were men's and women's gold ones. In my three years at this branch this is the first time it has been targeted.

"Police have taken fingerprints and CCTV footage to study. We were at least able to have business as usual with the shop open first thing that morning.''

Police are trying to trace a man or woman who was seen in the area at the time of the raid, which was between 4.30am and 5.10am.

The person is described as about 4ft 6in tall and of slim build. He or she was wearing a light blue tracksuit-style top and had a white scarf/jumper wrapped around their head.

The person was seen running up the High Street in the direction of the Pentagon Shopping Centre entrance.

It is believed the offender may have had a male accomplice.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Det Con Astrid Arthurs at Medway Police on 01634 827055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.