WATCHES worth an estimated £1m were stolen during a robbery in Manchester city centre.
"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.
Shortly after 7.20pm on Wednesday 19 September 2012, three masked men, who were wearing high visibility jackets and trousers, entered Selfridges on Exchange Square.
The offenders smashed display cabinets using an axe and crowbars and stole approximately 100 watches.
They escaped in a Black Mercedes Benz driven by a fourth offender. The car was found abandoned Robert Street, Strangeways, a short time later.
Thieves
Watches including Audermars Piguet, Jaeger le Coultre, Hublot and Cartier were stolen.
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."
Thieves
