A FOUR-man gang raided the shelves of a Prestwich hi-fi store as shocked staff looked on helplessly.

Now, detectives are hunting the thieves who stole thousands of pounds of electrical gear from the Richer Sounds shop in Bury New Road.

One of the thugs brandished a metal wrench as his accomplices selected and lifted display items from the store's shelves.

Many top brand names were among the hi-fi gear stolen in the robbery.

The raiders then loaded a quantity of electrical goods into a stolen Volvo car which was later recovered.

The incident happened in the store at 2.40pm on Friday, April 18.

Police say the four men entered the shop and as one of the gang wielded the weapon, the others stole the goods.

They made off towards Junction 17 in the silver-coloured car, registration number K338 XNA, which had been stolen from Market Place, Manchester, last Wednesday.

The Volvo was recovered in Collie Avenue, Pendleton, Manchester, on Saturday, but minus the stolen gear.

Detectives are now anxious to talk to anyone who may have seen the car between the time it was stolen and when it was used in the Prestwich raid.

Officers also want to talk to anyone who may haved witnessed the four men unloading the stolen goods from the car after the raid.

The gang members are described as being white, all around 5ft 10inch tall and aged in their mid 20s.

Anyone who can provide information should contact Bury police crime management unit on (0161) 856 8157 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

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