Caught on camera: Masked thieves cause £10k of damage in ram raid
A shop owner has been left devastated after masked thieves reversed a car through the shutters of his store causing £10,000 worth of damage.
Raiders struck at CEX Computer Exchange in Bilston.
They drove a Citroen DS car into the Market Centre in Market Way and smashed through the shop's shutters.
Pictures captured by the store's CCTV camera show a man, hooded, masked and clutching a bag, forcing his way through the shutters after the car reversed into the doors.
The man rushes into the store and can be seen kicking out at a display case.
He is then seen fleeing empty-handed just a few seconds later after apparently becoming disturbed.
The car was later recovered by police having been abandoned a short distance from the store.
Carl Brown, who runs the store with his business partner Peter Hughes, said they had been forced to close for two days while damage to the front of the store was repaired following Friday's attack.
"It's devastating for us," said the 25-year-old from Worcester, who opened the store just three months ago.
"We are a new business and as well of the cost of repairs we will lose trade while the shop is closed.
"Hopefully we can get everything sorted out as quickly as possible and get up and running."
The store specialises in buying and selling computer games and consoles, mobile phones and DVDs.
Mr Brown added: "It was a shock seeing it happen on the CCTV footage. We're just glad they didn't get away with any of the stock."Gina Lycett, a spokeswoman for West Midlands Police, said: "Two men are believed to have entered the store but escaped empty handed. They attempted to drive away but abandoned the vehicle a short distance from the store. The vehicle has been recovered by police and will be forensically examined."
It was the second raid in the area in a matter of days, after a car smashed into the main entrance doors to Bilston Indoor Market, Wood Street, at around 4am on July 29. On that occasion the shutters were damaged but the raiders failed to gain entry to the premises. Police have launched investigations into both incidents.
Anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
