A ROBBER disguised himself as a woman in a burka to trick his way into a Bury jewellers.

The cross-dresser was part of an armed gang which stole more than £20,000 worth of jewellery when they targeted the shop on Wednesday last week.

The man dressed up as a woman wearing a burka and hijab to dupe staff at Capri Jewellers in Benson Street.

Fooled by the robber’s disguise, staff pressed the buzzer to open the door to the man at 4.15pm, when three other men barged in with a shotgun. The gang terrified staff before stealing jewellery with an estimated value of more than £20,000, including bangles, rings and lockets.

The four men escaped in a car, thought to be a silver Toyota Yaris, and drove off towards Alfred Street.

The cross-dressing robber was described as Asian, over 6ft and of thin build. The getaway car driver was described as Asian, aged in his early 20s, of chubby build, bald and wearing glasses. The other three robbers were Asian and wearing balaclavas.

The gang left behind two canvas holdalls that were branded “Wei Bao”.

Det Sgt Chris Jameson, of Bury CID, said: “The store has very tight security so the ruse used to gain entry shows a level of detailed planning and I want to hear from anyone who may have overheard the gang preparing for this robbery.

“I would also urge anyone who knows the whereabouts of the getaway car or who may have been approached with a view to buying the stolen items to call police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 8248, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.