Shocking images in Lichfield robbery by masked gang of 17

Armed with hammers and knives, dramatic pictures reveal the moments a 17-strong gang smashed through the doors of a Staffordshire business and threatened terrified members of staff.

The shocking images show how the masked thugs manhandle a security guard and brazenly take computer servers, plasma TV screens and laptops during the smash and grab raid at communications firm NextiraOne in Lichfield.

Click on the image to the right for the full photo gallery

In one of the images, gang members are shown wielding weapons in the direction of a terrified member of staff who throws up his hands in a bid for mercy, while in another, a man can be seen ripping a widescreen TV from the wall of the reception area.

Another hooded thug is also seen brandishing a huge plank of wood while others swarm around the reception area looking for loot.

Senior detectives believe up to 19 people were involved in the raid, 17 of whom were caught in this terrifying CCTV footage from inside.

It is believed they targeted the firm after travelling from outside the county in five vehicles before smashing through a huge glass door. A team of detectives has been probing the shocking incident for the past five months and are set to appear on BBC1's Crimewatch programme this evening in a bid for more information to catch those responsible.

No-one was injured in the crime, which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

However, a small number of staff, including the guard who was in the reception area when the gang smashed through the doors, were left shaken.

The thugs targeted NextiraOne, at Wall Island, off the A5127 Birmingham Road and A5 shortly before 12.30am on August 11 last year. The raiders stole items worth more than £10,000 in total.

Insp Jed White, Lichfield local policing team commander, said: "This was a pre-planned robbery which targeted a business based near to main traffic routes.

"It was unusual due to the large number of offenders involved and the level of violence used to enter the premises – captured on the CCTV images shown on Crimewatch. We believe there were 19 offenders in total, 17 of whom entered the building.

"They travelled into the area, possibly from areas bordering Staffordshire, in five vehicles. Although the men were masked, we're hoping people might recognise them through their clothing, footwear or gait.

"They put some of the stolen items in a distinctive dark red and cream patterned duvet cover which someone may also be familiar with.

Crimewatch will be broadcast at 9pm tonight on BBC1.

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