Hunt for burglar over £15,000 shop haul

A burglar who stole £15,000 worth of designer clothes from a Staffordshire store is being sought by police.

Detectives today released a CCTV picture of a man who took the clothes from the Cure store in Bore Street, Lichfield.

Peter Bate, spokesman for Staffordshire Police, said: "This was a serious crime that we're investigating thoroughly.

"A considerable quantity of designer clothes was stolen worth hundreds of pounds.

"We need to trace this man and want to speak to anyone who recognises him or who saw anything suspicious in the Bore Street area on the night in question." The theft happened at around 7.20pm on December 19 last year, but details have only just been released.

The clothes were later recovered by police in the West Midlands area.

James Lant, co-owner of the store, said that it had been a great shock to them as a member of the staff was still in the shop when it took place.

He said: "She heard the sound of them using axes to break through the door and she was able to call the police but unfortunately they weren't caught at the time.

"They were in and out of the shop in just a minute and a half. It has made us more aware that this could happen and opened our eyes a bit and we have increased our security.

"It was a week before Christmas and it was very upsetting for us. But we have learned from it and increased security in the shop."

A woman from Walsall was subsequently convicted of handling stolen goods in relation to the matter.

Anyone who recognises the man, or who knows anything about the crime, should ring Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 643 of December 19.

Alternatively, they can ring independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.