A gang led by a man dressed in traditional Islamic attire stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery during a raid.
It happened at the Jadee Jewellers store on Rochdale Road, Bury, at about 4.30pm on Monday 22 November 2010.
The man approached the shop dressed in a burka and hijab and believing he was friendly and a legitimate customer, the owner opened the shop door.
At this point, four other members of the gang burst through the open door brandishing a silver metal hammer and a baseball bat, while the man in the Islamic clothing produced a machete.
The men smashed numerous glass display cabinets and stole thousands of pounds worth of 22ct gold jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
The shop owner tried to scare them off by swinging a hockey stick and eventually the gang fled into a dark coloured car, believed to be an Audi.
Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the robbery to come forward.
The man carrying the baseball bat was black, about 6ft 2in tall, in his early 30s and of a skinny build. The man with the hammer was white, about 5ft 6in tall, in his early to mid-30s and had shaved hair.
The thief in the burkha and hijab was said to be Asian, about 5ft 9in tall, in his early 30s and of a medium build.
Detective Inspector Victoria Shaw said: “The ruse used to gain entry to this jewellery store not only shows a level of detailed planning but also incredible disrespect.
“It is clear this was a determined gang of robbers who need to be locked up.
“I therefore want the public to assist us with our investigation and to help us uncover their identities. The owner of the store has been through a traumatic ordeal and has seen his livelihood threatened in the most violent way, so he deserves to see these people caught and sent to jail.
“In particular, I want people to be on their guard if offered traditional pieces of Islamic jewellery from anyone other than a licensed dealer, as these men might seek to make a quick profit and sell the pieces on.
“I also want to hear from anyone who saw these men going into or out of the store. Or perhaps you overheard men planning something involving Jadee Jewellery?
“All information will be treated in strict confidence and with your help we can find these men.”
Anyone with information should call Bury CID on 0161 856 8210 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.