Hal Whittaker toy shop vandalism: Police make CCTV appeal

Hal Whittaker in Knutsford had its front window smashed earlier this month, leaving the store facing a ‘last chance saloon’.

Now, Cheshire Police have shared CCTV images of men they believe could support their investigation.

A spokesperson said: “There's been an incident where the shop window of Hal Whittaker on Princess Street in Knutsford has been damaged, at around 3.35 am on Sunday, July 21.

“The police are making enquiries and would like to speak to the individuals in the pictures.

“If you know them, please get in touch via 101 and quote reference number 24000635308 and all the information provided will be confidential.”

Police have released CCTV images of a group of men they are looking to speak with (Image: Knutsford Police)

Hal Whittaker has been trading in Knutsford for nearly 60 years.

The toy shop’s current owner, Stuart Andrew, says that the Covid pandemic ‘tipped the scales’, pushing more people to shop online rather than on the high street.

“Towns like Knutsford can be ghost towns during the week, there’s just no footfall whatsoever,” Stuart said.

“It’s hard enough to make a living as it is with the spiralling costs. Ridiculous things like this mindless vandalism just drive nails into the coffin lid.

“It’s not the first time it’s happened. You’re a victim of statistics, it happens to most shop owners at some stage.

“But you just feel totally violated and sick. When it’s nothing more than mindless vandalism it’s just so annoying because the airheads that do it have no idea of the repercussions.”

READ MORE: Call for support as 'mindless' vandals leave toy shop in ‘last chance saloon’

The front window of Hal Whittaker was smashed (Image: Supplied)

In August, a new Hal Whittaker website will launch, with Stuart hoping to reclaim some of the market they have lost to online retailers.

He added: “This is the last chance saloon for us. If people don’t get behind the website then unfortunately we will be looking at winding up the business in the next couple of years.

“It’s incredibly upsetting to think that we might have to close. It’s just a sign of the times, unfortunately.”

Police have asked anyone with information to get in touch (Image: Knutsford Police)