Swift Police action foiled a jewellery shop robbery in Chai Wan today.

At about 11am, a lone culprit pretended to be a customer at the Chai Wan Road shop, and then declared a robbery, pulling a chopper from his bag and threatening a 62-year-old male employee.

But the person-in-charge of the shop and another staff member ran out and reported the robbery to Police, leaving the culprit and his victim inside.

The robber demanded the items on display and was handed two trays of gold ornaments valued about $70,000.

However, a patrolling officer soon arrived and talked the culprit into surrendering.

The 46-year-old robber is now being detained.