A BRAINTREE businessman is pleading for the public's help after £50,000 worth of sports gear was stolen in a burglary on his warehouse.
The burglars made off with a haul of top of the range Adidas, Mizuno and Asics trainers, along with a variety of clothes, hockey shoes and sports equipment from Alliance Sports in Dunmow Road, Rayne.
Neil Stanhope, owner of Alliance Sports, said: "They were obviously professionals and had cased the place out beforehand.
"It's very frustrating as a small business to have this inconvenience and hassle caused by mindless thugs who just want to break in, take what they want, potentially endangering people's jobs and employment."
The raid happened on the night of April 23. The thieves smashed their way in causing considerable damage to one of the warehouse walls.
The shoes and clothing stolen was of a specialist variety, as the sports outlet mainly stocks equipment and clothing for clubs and enthusiasts.
"The products stolen weren't the kind of stuff you can just get in a general high street store, it's quite unusual so it would be easily spotted if people know what to look for," he said.
"Hopefully someone will recognise the stolen items and we would appreciate anyone with information coming forward to police."
Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or may have been offered cheap sportswear.
Anyone with any information can contact PC Daniel Parrish at Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.