Shoppers were left shocked after a raider attempted to rob a jewellery store in Nottingham city centre – leaving a hammer hanging out of the smashed window.
The incident took place at H Samuel on Lister Gate at around 1.18pm on Friday.
A witness saw a man brandishing the hammer and smashing the front window of the shop.
But the man then ran off leaving the tool wedged in the broken glass.
Nottinghamshire Police, along with community protection officers, were called to the scene at around 1.30pm and surrounded the window to keep the public away from the crime scene.
Worried members of staff, obviously shaken by the incident, looked on as a police officer searched the street for any clues.
A spokeswoman from the force confirmed: "An offender used a hammer to smash the display window before making off with a fake display diamond."
The man was described by the force as white with dark hair. He was wearing black trousers with a white stripe down the sides and a black top.
The store was closed while police investigated and a sergeant at the scene said he was unable to give any more information.
Passers-by were startled by the incident happening while surrounding streets were teeming with shoppers and workers out on their lunchbreaks.
Maria Smith, 19, said: "It is pretty brave of them to do it in broad daylight, I'll give them that! But it is such a stupid thing to do and then to leave the hammer behind, too.
"I don't normally hear about this sort of thing happening here so it is quite a surprise.
Sophie Keeble, 18, added: "It is so silly to do that and a very weird thing to happen in the middle of the day. Why even try it?"
A spokeswoman from H Samuel confirmed the incident and said staff were helping with the investigation.
She added: "Our efforts are currently focused upon ensuring the welfare of our staff and we'll be spending time with each of them to offer them counselling following this robbery."
Police have asked anyone who saw the incident or with any information to call them on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
