Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Chilling images capture sheer terror of robbery

Bethan Dorsett
18/11/2005

THIS was the terrifying moment when a gang wearing 'Scream' style halloween masks burst into a jewellers' shop and stole thousands of pounds worth of designer watches.

Police hope the release of the images from CCTV cameras and the incentive of a £10,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward and help put the masked gang behind bars.

The gang burst into Preston's jewellers in Yorkshire Street as staff were closing the shop on Friday 4 November.

Three of the men, armed with a machete and an iron bar, grabbed hundreds of Rolex, Omega and Cartier watches, while another man holding a shotgun kept watch.

They escaped in a stolen Mini Cooper, but crashed into a van in Spotland Road, in Lower Falinge.

The gang then dragged a terrified driver from his car and drove off

in it. The Vauxhall Vectra was recovered by police later that night.

Mark Viney, manager at Preston's, says the reward will be given to anyone with information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

He said: "This was a very frightening and unpleasant experience for myself and the staff involved.

"The safety of the staff is absolutely paramount to us and we would like to see these people apprehended as soon as possible, before they carry another robbery out somewhere else.

"I would also like to thank all the customers who have expressed their concerns and support for us."

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Karen Siddall on 0161 856 4646.