Expensive watches stolen during armed robbery

Date published: 02 September 2010

A number of expensive watches were stolen during a robbery in Bury.

At 10.34am on Wednesday 1 September 2010, police were called to Peter Jackson the Jeweller, St John's Square, The Rock, following reports that masked men had robbed the store and stole a number of watches.

A red Subura - believed to have been stolen from the Hyde area and fitted with false registration plates - pulled up outside the store and three men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas went inside.

One was armed with a machete and the gang emptied a large amount of Tag watches into a bag before getting back into the car and driving off.

No-one was injured but staff were left badly shaken up.

The Subura was found abandoned shortly afterwards on Barrett Court, and it is thought the gang switched to another car, described as a dark coloured hatchback.

There are no reports of any injuries.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the robbery to come forward.

Detective Inspector John Mazzolai said: "We are still in the early stages of the investigation and we are working with the jewellers to determine exactly what has been stolen, but it would appear a large number of Tag watches were taken during the robbery.

"I want to hear from anyone who might have seen this red Subura in the area at about the time of the robbery, or who has information about the second car - described as a dark coloured hatchback. It might be you have seen either of these cars being driven erratically around The Rock area and if you have, please tell us.

"I also want to hear from anyone who is offered a Tag watch from anyone other than a licensed dealer.

"We do not want these criminals to profit from this robbery so please, if you have any suspicions then call us."

Anyone with information should call Bury CID on 0161 856 4647 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.