A 12-YEAR-OLD boy leapt into action to help thwart a £4,000 jewellery snatch from a shop in Abergavenny town centre.

Luke Greenall, a pupil at King Henry VIII School, didn’t think twice about chasing after a suspect who ran out from jewellers Gus Jones in Frogmore Street.

His public-spirited actions have won high praise from Gus Jones’ senior director Michael Jones who said this week, “I thought the young lad’s response was extraordinary. He was very brave.”

Mr Jones said he was more than happy to recognise Luke’s have-a-go heroics with the reward of a £100 voucher from the jewellers.

He also paid tribute to his manageress Julie Gravell who likewise went after the runaway customer who fled with five rings on a pad.

“She was very conscientious. It was a pretty good effort from her,” he told the Chronicle.

The alleged grab happened in the late afternoon of August 3, a Monday.

Luke’s parents - Stephen and Melanie who live just outside Abergavenny - were justifiably proud of their son.

Stephen said: “Initially there was annoyance because of what could have happened to Luke. But later we were proud of what he did. It was the right thing - and everything turned out all right in the end.”

He added, “It is sad that you think at first that someone who helps can become a statistic for life.”

Commotion

Luke, he revealed, was passing by the shop when he noticed a commotion and saw a person being chased by a member of staff.

He took up the chase and kept an eye on the suspect before ringing the police with details of the location - not far from the Argos store.

Police rushed to the scene where an arrest was made.

Luke’s dad said, “He obviously had quite an adrenalin rush to his system. He was very energised by it all.”

And the drama had persuaded the youngster to make a definite career choice.

“He wants to be a policeman!” said his dad.

Michael Jones estimated the value of the haul - recovered thanks to Luke and Julie - at about £3-4,000.

“The police have the rings at the moment. We will get them back soon,” he said.

Police confirmed that a 36 year-old woman from Abergavenny was arrested and charged with theft.

She has been quizzed and released on bail to appear before Newport magistrates on Tuesday, August 18