A gang of thieves carried on raiding a newsagents even as the owner shouted from an upstairs window that police had been called.
The brazen theft happened at Halewood News on Hollies Road in the early hours of June 8.
The owner of the newsagent, who lives above the shop, heard bangs coming from below and saw the gang crowbar the shutters and smash their way in.
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An employee of the shop told the ECHO that despite the shop's owner shouting down from the upstairs flat window that the police had been called, the brass necked gang carried on with the theft before driving off with £1,000 of cigarettes.
In a video taken by the shop's CCTV cameras, the thieves can been seen jumping out of a car and start to work on the shop's shutters.
One of the gang is seen to keep watch on the grass verge opposite while another takes a large, green bag out of the boot.
What appears to be debris from the shutters can be seen flying into and around the camera as the thieves begin to crowbar their way in.
Shortly afterwards, one of the gang takes several running kicks at the shutter while other members look up as the shop's owner shouts down from above (not audible).
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After finally breaking through the shutters, the gang can be seen on CCTV from inside the shop, hastily bagging up stacks of cigarettes before returning to the car and speeding away.
Following the raid, the shop posted up the footage of the theft on Facebook and asked anyone with information to come forward.
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A statement posted up with the footage from one of the shop's employees read: "Hi everyone. I know this isn't the type of content that should be on this page, but I have to share with the hope that someone might recognise someone in these videos.
"These scumbags got away with approx. £1,000 of ciggies, a cash register with about £30 in loose change, and damages to the shutter and main door of about £1,000.
"Some may say that they didn't get away with much. But the fact of the matter is, things like this should be condemned.
"If anyone knows or hears anything that may lead to their prosecution, please let us know. People like these scumbags need to be behind bars."
The post went on to thank the supportive residents of Halewood who had helped secure the shop following the burglary.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We’re appealing for information following reports of a burglary at a shop in Halewood in the early hours of Tuesday, June 8.
"At around 12.55am, it was reported that three unknown offenders approached Halewood News on Hollies Road and forced entry using a crowbar.
"Once inside, they are believed to have stolen cash from the tills and cigarettes, before making off in a blue Vauxhall Vectra.
"An investigation, including CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries, is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch."
Detective Inspector Jennie Beck said: “To target someone’s livelihood in this way is shameful and we are examining CCTV footage, and carrying out witness and forensic enquiries to establish the full circumstances and bring those responsible to justice.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area, or has CCTV or dashcam footage, to please get in touch, as any information could assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 21000399244 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
