CCTV footage of two men suspected of smashing through a store display counter in Bolton and made off with a number of phones on September 19 has been released.
The attack happened at around 2.20pm when two men entered Plodder Lane News in Farnworth and asked about a number of phones.
They then returned armed with a concrete block telling the store worker that they were robbing him and threw the slab through the counter before trying to assault the victim.
At the same time the other man filled a black gift style bag with the phones and they ran off with around 20 mobiles.
PC Adam Squires said: “The men have conducted a brief recce of the shop before returning just minutes later with a large concrete slab that they used to threaten and intimidate the victim and smash the display cabinet.
“They have then stolen a large number of mobile phones, leaving a local businessman – who is trying to earn a crust providing a service to the local community – significantly out of pocket.
“Some of these phones are most likely damaged as a result of being crushed by the concrete slab so will be neither use nor ornament to anyone. However I am sure that will not stop them trying to offload them so if you hear of anyone selling phones at knock down prices get in touch.
“I want people to look closely at this CCTV and if they recognise the offenders, either individually or as a pair, from the images, from their clothing or even something as slight as the way they are walking, please get in touch, anonymously if necessary.”
One of the suspects is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build, in his early 20s and was wearing a beanie hat, grey hooded top and bottoms.
The other suspect is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, of medium build and in his early 20s. He was wearing a baseball cap and jacket.
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