Details have now been released of a robbery at Tesco in Baguley last weekend, revealed in the Wythenshawe Reporter on Monday.
Police are appealing for witnesses after robbers armed with sledge-hammers raided the store on Altrincham Road shortly before 10pm on Sunday 10 April.
The men approached the front of the store on Altrincham Road, having arrived in a black car. Two of four men used sledgehammers to smash the front window of the store.
Three men then entered the store and went straight to the mobile phone section. Two forced their way into the store room and stole a large number of mobile phones.
All three then left the store with the stolen goods and ran to the waiting car, which made off at speed towards the Tesco petrol station onto Altrincham Road.
The men were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.
Detective Sergeant John Seaton of South Manchester division said: “Fortunately, no-one was hurt, but members of staff were understandably terrified. The men caused extensive damage to the store and I am appealing for the public’s help to trace them.
“We urge anyone that may have seen a group of men acting suspiciously at the time of the robbery to contact the police immediately.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4821 of the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.