Footage captures brave citizens arrest after thieves target Melbourne jewellery store

CCTV footage has captured the moment masked thieves smashed their way into cabinets at a Melbourne shop before some were detained by passers-by.

The robbery took place just after 6pm last night on Sydney road in Coburg.

Around 40 people became involved in scuffles outside the store, successfully detaining the armed thieves until police arrived.

Footage captures a man tackling one of the men to the ground.

“While I wrestled him down he punched me, he had an axe and he hit me with the axe,” a man who wished to be known as Steven told 9NEWS.

An off-duty security guard, who wished to remain anonymous, said their weapons didn’t faze him.

“He was coming at me with a hammer, I didn’t care. I just jumped on top of him,” he said.

An 18-year-old Cairnlea man and a 19-year-old Derrimut man appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with armed robbery, aggravated burglary and theft.

A third man is still on the run and is described as African in appearance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.