Updated: THIEVES stole £14,000 of Apple computers and gadgets in a lightning raid on a shop in York.

The group of four smashed their way into the Stormfront store in Coney Street at 4.40am yesterday, and stole demonstration iPads, computers and two 27-inch display screens. They took just 60 seconds to seize their haul and get away.

James Collard, sales director for Stormfront retail, said CCTV footage from hidden cameras in the store had been handed to the police, and said the gang had looked well prepared for the theft.

"They were very organised. They knew what they were doing," he said.

"Three of them forced their way into the showroom. They were wearing scarves round their lower faces, gloves, and they were all wearing dark clothing."

Mr Collard said the three men each targeted a different side of the showroom, and grabbed 14 items from around the store, worth a total of about £14,000, before making their escape.

The thieves also dropped and damaged two computers during the raid, one of which, an iMac, was broken beyond repair.

Mr Collard said the thieves did not steal any retail equipment, only demonstrations items, which are fitted with a "locked down" version of the usual operating system.

He said: "They are all locked into demonstration mode, which they will struggle to get out of. We put software on there specifically to stop this.

The store, which opened in Coney Street in April, was closed yesterday morning but had reopened by 12.30pm. A group of people were also seen on CCTV outside the store after the theft took place, and one individual ran after the thieves as they made off with the equipment.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said several witnesses had come forward, but urged anyone else with any information to phone them on 0845 6060247 quoting reference 12110137571, or to phone Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.