A robber who stole a laptop computer from a shop selling Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security equipment was caught on 8 separate cameras while carrying out his theft. The shop owner, David Arathoon, was amused.

I’ve got to see the funny side of it, even though I’m annoyed to have lost a £700 laptop. The stupidity of the guy to think stealing from a CCTV shop of all places would be a good idea is quite astonishing, really.

The clear shots of the robber were shown in the press and the shop is now doing a roaring trade…

Mr Arathoon has blocked off a part of his shop where the thief’s hands may have left fingerprints. He just needs the police to come and do their bit now:

“I’m a bit surprised that they haven’t come back yet, because I’ve got all this evidence on a plate for them.”

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We will certainly be gathering any evidence, including these pictures and any fingerprints as part of our investigation.”

She added that a forensic team had called at the shop to take fingerprints on Sunday afternoon - the day after the thief struck - but that the shop was closed.

In the meantime, The Manchester Evening News has printed some of the picture which will hopefully lead to the culprit being identified soon.