Over 300 designer frames and sunglasses were stolen in a raid on the Vision Express store in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on August 2.
Store director Darren Haywood said a gang smashed their way though the store, taking all the sunglasses and frames from brands including Prada, Gucci and Armani. Also, a safe on the first floor that had taken five men to install, was taken. The eyewear had a retail value of around £30,000. 'The police said we were dealing with a professional gang, with lifting equipment. They also took cases for some of the frames, so they knew what they were doing, enhancing the saleability.'
The practice, also robbed three years ago, has now been fitted with an alarm and window bars. 'We have warned all local practices as we would hate it to happen to anyone else. We've also lost half a day's trading,' he said.
If asked to glaze frames in suspicious circumstances, call PC Philip Scarfe on 01284 774 100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.