The search is on for a CCTV hard drive which was taken during a “daring” robbery of more than £25,000 at Farmfoods in Park Street.
The robber pushed his way past a store worker who was having a cigarette near a fire exit at the shop at about 6.20pm on August 15.
He went to the store office where the manager was banking the day’s takings, and demanded he handed over the cash.
After taking the money – which was in excess of £25,000 - the offender made the manager smash several computers and the CCTV camera as well as making him hand over the CCTV hard drive (pictured).
Det Con Tom Hamm, who is investigating the raid, said: “While this was a very daring raid carried out in broad daylight, I’m sure that the raider would not have carried the hard drive too far and I am hoping that someone may have seen the item discarded in the town centre area.”
The offender fled through the same fire exit he entered through and headed towards Church Street.
He is described as a black male, in his late 20s or early 30s, around 5 ft 11 tall, of medium build and wearing a black hooded top and blue jeans.
Due to the size and weight of the hard drive, detectives believe that it would have been disposed of locally and are asking the public for help in locating the equipment which could hold valuable information about the raid.
Officers are also reviewing footage from several other CCTV cameras around the town centre but are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the area and seen the offender either before or after the incident.
Det Con Hamm added: “The town would have been swarming with people finishing work and making their way home at the time of the raid. The Mall would also have only closed a short time beforehand and I am positive that someone will have seen something.
“I’m particularly keen to speak with witnesses who would have been waiting for buses in Church Street, right opposite the fire exit which the offender used to enter and leave the store. The road was very busy with pedestrians, motorists and those waiting for public transport so I would urge anyone who may have seen anything to get in touch.”
If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Hamm, in confidence, on 01582 394498, the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.