BURGLARS used a pickaxe to smash their way into a pawnbroker’s in Eastleigh.

A gang forced up security shutters at H & T Pawnbrokers in Market Street, then smashed their way through glass and into the store.

Jewellery on display behind glass was targeted during the incident, which happened shortly after 2.30am on Saturday.

But within minutes of the break-in a police patrol in Market Street disturbed the burglars, who fled empty handed.

Witnesses should call |PC Dave Manns at Eastleigh police station on 101.