Warning over cheap Christmas presents after raiders snatch huge haul from store
POLICE are warning of cheap Christmas presents being offered after a brazen heist saw £27,000 of goods stolen from a Stockport John Lewis store.
A gang of five thieves driving two cars raided the department store at Cheadle Royal, off Wilmslow Road, on Sunday at around 6.30pm.
They used a crowbar to force open a staff entrance door and once inside stole £12,000worth of sunglasses, cosmetics valued at £13,000, and handbags worth £2,000.
Police have appealed for witnesses and urged residents to be on the lookout for those responsible trying to off-load their haul.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “In the run up to Christmas there could be attempts to get rid of these goods as cheap presents.
“If anyone who sees such items offered at good prices and thinks they may not be legitimate we would urge them not to buy.
“Instead contact the police with any information you may have.”
The two cars involved were a blue Subaru Impreza with a spoiler and a black Volkswagen Golf.
One driver was 6ft tall, of medium build and wearing a black balaclava, gloves and trainers as well as a black G North Face coat.
The other wore a black jacket, oversized blue jeans and black boots. Police say the remaining three were all wearing dark clothes.
CCTV is being checked from the store and the surrounding area.
It is the second tine this year a large amount of stock has been discovered stolen from the store.
In May a police raid found £9,000-worth of goods that had been stolen from the store following an audit by bosses.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.