Police are appealing for witnesses after today’s “planned and calculated heist” on an Altrincham jewellers.
Four men armed with metal bars and bats raided David M Robinson on Railway Street at around 12.20pm.
Wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, they used a battering ram to break through the security door before pushing the shop’s security guard into the shop and ordering him to lie on the ground, which he did.
One of the men then used a metal pole to prevent security shutters from closing, while two others entered the shop and used crowbars to smash glass cabinets and place watches worth hundreds of thousands of pounds into a bag held by a third man.
Below: David M Robinson jewellers on Railway Street after today’s robbery
The fourth offender then dislodged and activated the smoke cloak security system from the wall, and the four men fled into a black Land Rover, which sped away.
The vehicle was later found abandoned on Ashworth Close, Bowdon.
All four offenders are currently at large.
Detective Inspector Carl Gilbert said: “This was obviously a planned and calculated heist, which has resulted in a hugely valuable haul being stolen by these men.
“They were heavily armed, knew exactly what they were doing, and were in and out in a matter of minutes.
“Fortunately no one was hurt, but we must not forget that these men arrived armed, dangerous, and had the potential to cause someone some serious harm.
Below: The jewellery shop cordoned off an hour after the robbery
“We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the heist itself, or the offenders in the act of escaping to contact us.
“Particularly in the area of Ashworth Close, Bowdon, if you believe you saw the men abandon this Land Rover and escape on foot, or perhaps in another vehicle, please contact police as a matter of urgency.”
The jewellers was previously targeted in July 2010, when thieves drove a black Volvo into the front of the store and stole a number of Rolex watches.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
