A police spokesman said, “The theft took place yesterday at around 3pm after the victim had visited Timothy Hardie Jewellers in St John Street and then stopped off in Oxfam in South Street. He placed his blue canvas sports bag containing the jewellery down on the floor. Whilst he was browsing through some books, the bag was stolen.

“A woman was seen acting suspiciously in the store — she’s described as being between 20 and 25-years-old, around 5ft 2ins, of slim build, and of European appearance.

“She had long, dark brown, wavy hair tied back in a pony tail. She was wearing jeans, black trainers with white toes, a black jacket, a light coloured top, and carrying a light-coloured shopping bag with a pattern on it.”

It is believed the same woman had been in Timothy Hardie Jewellers whilst the man was selling some of his wares.

A woman matching her description was also seen in the company of two men shortly after the theft took place.

One of the men is described as being around 6ft, with thick dark hair, and of Asian appearance. He was wearing a black suit. He was seen standing beside a four-door dark coloured saloon car — possibly a blue or black coloured old-style BMW — in South Street.

The second man is described as being around 5ft 9ins, of dark European appearance, with thinning grey hair. He was seen running across South Street carrying a blue bag, closely followed by the woman.

All three got into the car which was then seen to drive off at speed down South Street and into Tay Street.

Detective Inspector Mike Pirie said, “We are very keen to hear from anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon who may have seen any of these individuals either before or after the theft took place. Detectives are in the process of examining both public and private CCTV footage.”

Anyone who was in the area who may have seen those responsible should contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.