Men armed with a crowbar attempted to rob an off licence

Two men armed with a crowbar attempted to rob an off licence in Middleton.

At 6pm on Monday 29 December 2014, two men entered Bargain Booze on Lakeland Court, Wood Street, wearing balaclavas and carrying a crowbar.

The men approached the counter and one of them used the crowbar to try and force his way through a security screen door, while the other attempted to reach the till through a small opening in the same security screen.

Hoping to scare the men off, a member of staff armed himself with a stick and threatened them.

Once the offenders realised that they were unable to get through the security screens and that the assistant was willing to defend himself and the shop’s takings, they turned and ran.

The first offender is described as white, about 5ft 6in, with a slim build and thought to be in his late teens or early 20s. He was wearing a black hooded tracksuit top, a balaclava and gloves.

The second offender is white, about 5ft 6in tall and thought to be in his late teens or early 20s. He was wearing a grey hooded tracksuit top, a balaclava and gloves.

Detective Constable Andy Robinson said: “These men bit off more than they could chew with this off license, failing as they did to even get through the stores security screens.

“Thankfully we never did find out if they were willing to use violence against the staff to achieve their aims, but the fact they went in with a crowbar and faces covered mean their intentions were clear.

“They still caused up to £300 worth of damage, but it could have been far worse and that is why it is so important that we find these men as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8701 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.