The manager of an adult store in Manchester's Gay Village has spoken of his fears they are now 'sitting ducks for future attacks' after its windows were smashed in by masked thugs yet again on Monday evening (May 22).
Clonezone, on Sackville Street, fell victim to its fourth targeted attack in just two months on Monday as two individuals were captured on shocking CCTV arriving on a red motorbike. They were seen smashing up the windows before quickly speeding off from the scene.
Nobody has been charged in connection with any of the four incidents yet, with 'fatigued' Manager Richard Tropez telling the Manchester Evening News the store has now decided to 'take matters into their own hands' and fundraise for reward money in the hope of catching the perpetrators.
READ MORE The Gay Village shop under siege from motorbike thugs - and the fear that they have fuelled
"It's time that we as a community took matters into our own hands and reach out for information that will lead to a conviction. Nothing else has worked and I feel we are now sitting ducks for future attacks until we can find and prosecute those responsible," he said.
"On each occasion, masked people in hoods have driven up to the store on motorbikes and attacked the windows and doorway with bricks and crowbars.
"It's really shaken all the staff up and we are all so fatigued by it now. I don't know what else to say. We were thinking about replacing the glass this week and it's happened again. The police arrested someone earlier this month and everything was looking good, and we are back here again."
Richard has now hoping to raise £2,000 to persuade someone with vital information to come forward.
The store, which already had boarded up windows from the three previous attacks, was targeted again on Monday evening at approximately 5.50pm in a similar nature to the other incidents.
CCTV shared with the M.E.N captured the moment two men approached the store on a bike, with one passenger jumping off to smash the glass panels in both doors before speeding off up Sackville Street on a red motorbike. In total, around £4,000 worth of damage was caused.
Officers investigating now believe that the bike used in this attack is the same bike used in a previous attack on the evening of April 24. The incident was again caught on camera as a police car was seen stationed right outside.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for the public’s help in locating the bike, which is described as being a distinctive red / orange off-road style 'GASGAS' branded bike. Enquiries have also confirmed that different bikes were used in the first two attacks, on April 13 and March 22.
A 32-year-old man previously arrested earlier this month on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage following a series of incidents at the premises on Sackville Street. He has since been released on conditional bail as investigations continue.
Chief Inspector Adam Wignall of the City Centre Neighbourhood Team added: “We know that there are members of the public who are out there who know who this bike belongs to and we are urging them to reach out to us.
“This is the fourth attack on this establishment in the last three months and this simply cannot continue for this business. We will be increasing our police presence in the area over the coming days and these officers can be approached by anyone who has any information.
Information regarding the bike or the perpetrators of these crimes can also be passed by calling GMP on 0161 856 3345 or via 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.
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