Watches Worth Half A Million Stolen In Robbery

20 September 2012, 12:01 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Watches worth an estimated half million have been stolen during a robbery in Manchester city centre.

Three masked men, who were wearing high-vis jackets and trousers, went into Selfridges on Exchange Square, just after 7:20pm last night (Wednesday 19th September)

They smashed display cabinets using an axe and crowbars and stole around 100 watches.

They escaped in a Black Mercedes Benz driven by a fourth suspect.

The car was found abandoned in Robert Street, Strangeways, a short time later.

Watches including Audermars Piguet, Jaeger le Coultre, Hublot and Cartier were stolen.

CCTV of the raid's been released by Greater Manchester Police.

Detective Constable Adam Cronshaw, said:
"This was a brazen robbery while the store was open and busy with members of the public.

It was clearly well planned and executed. These men were in and out in less than 80 seconds and were very particular about the watches they selected.

I am appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible or has overhead someone talking about this robbery - either before or after it happened - to contact us in absolute confidence.

The clothing worn appears to be brand new and I am also eager to hear from anyone who knows where they may have been purchased or manufactured.

The offenders will, at some point, undoubtedly look to off load these watches and I would urge people to be mindful of this robbery and again if anyone is approached with a view to buying any of these items to please contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3240, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.