CCTV images capture raid on jewellers by armed gang

CCTV images have caught the moment a gang of armed raiders smashed their way into a Rochdale jewellery store and stole several items. 

The robbery took place at Naz Jewellers on Milkstone Road in Rochdale at around 12:30pm on Thursday January 22.

According to Greater Manchester Police, the gang pulled up outside the shop in a silver BMW X5. They then smashed their way into the store and threatened staff, before taking several items.

The offenders then fled the store in the waiting car, which was later abandoned nearby. Police said that the offenders were described as being “well built” and “spoke with Asian accents”.

Detective sergeant Laura Sutcliffe said: “This is a very serious incident in which weapons have been used in order to intimidate staff and then steal items of jewellery. Detectives are investigating several lines of inquiry but I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident.

“Thankfully no-one was physically injured but clearly everyone inside the store is suffering from severe shock and it has had a significant impact on them. This violent robbery happened on a busy street in broad daylight in the middle of the day, so we believe there may be a number of witnesses who could have vital information for us.

“There may have been people who filmed what was happening on their smartphones so if you did see what happened, or you did take some footage, then please contact us.

Anyone with information has been urged to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.