Police are investigating a ram-raid style burglary at a Belfast clothes shop.
The SD Kells premises on Bedford Street in the city centre was targeted by thieves in a Vauxhall Corsa.
Video footage of the incident circulating on social media shows a number of men getting into the vehicle before one slams the boot down. However, as they speed off, with an alarm sounding in the background, the boot opens up and what appears to be a pile of clothes fall on the road.
The owner of the premises was there on Saturday morning inspecting the damage. It is understood replacing the glass doors alone will cost thousands of pounds. The incident comes as businesses already face substantial losses due to closing thanks to the Coronavirus epidemic.
It is unclear when the ram-raid happened. Police say they were called at around 1am, however there are reports that the incident may have occurred late on Friday night.
The PSNI said on Saturday morning that detectives are “investigating a burglary at a clothing shop on Bedford Street in Belfast during the early hours of this morning, Saturday 4 April”.
Detective Inspector Andy George said: “We received a report around 1.00am that a Vauxhall Corsa had reversed into the front door of the shop causing the window to shatter.
“A number of suspects then removed items of clothing from the store placing them in the boot of the car.
“Some of the clothes were recovered after they fell out of the vehicle as the thieves made their escape.
“The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the Newtownabbey area on Friday, was recovered a short time later in St Peters Court area of Belfast.
“I am appealing for anyone with information regarding this crime to contact us. Police are aware that of footage of this incident is circulating online and I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who has recorded dash-cam or mobile phone footage. Please call 101, quoting reference 1515 04/04/20.”
