Advice for storekeepers after two robberies in Warwickshire

[dutchman]

Police are reminding store keepers of security advice following series of robberies.



The advice follows two robberies and an attempted robbery at two convenience stores over the weekend.

Among the advise being issued is the following:

* Always ensure takings are banked quickly. Never let it build up over a number of days. Consider using a night safe banking facility.

* Consider installing CCTV as this will act as a deterrent to any potential thief or robber. It may also prove valuable to identifying suspects if you are unfortunate to become a victim of crime.

* Speak to the Warwickshire Police Business Crime Unit about installing burglary deterrents such as Smartwater and Smokescreens devices.

*Ensure all entrance points to the premises are strong and have suitable locks.

*Review your security measures. Speak to the Business Crime Unit for guidance.

In the first robbery at the Co-op on School Road, Bulkington two masked offenders forced open the front door to the store as staff were preparing to open for the day at 6am on Monday 29 August.

The intruders were carrying what are believed to have been a crow bar and a hammer which they used to threaten staff inside the store. They demanded that staff open the safe, and stole an undisclosed quantity of money. Staff were then locked in an office when the offenders left the premises, taking with them a quantity of computer equipment.

Both offenders were wearing dark clothing and black balaclavas. One is six feet tall and of stocky build, the second male is slightly taller than his accomplice at approximately six feet two inches tall.

In a separate incident police are also investigating an attempted robbery at the Spa shop in Leicester Street in Bulkington. Burglars attempted to force entry to the store some time between 3pm on Sunday 28 August and 7am on Monday 29 August. No entry was gained.

Police are also seeking witnesses or information to another robbery, at the One Stop store in Rugby Road, Binley Woods, at shortly before 7am this morning (Tuesday 30 August).

Three males, all wearing balaclavas and carrying hammers entered the One Stop store and demanded that staff open the safe. A quantity of money was stolen, along with a quantity of cigarettes.

They left the premises and drove off in a blue coloured Ford Focus. The car was found to have been stolen in a burglary from a house in the Radford area of Coventry during the night.

Police are examining the similarities between the three incidents to consider whether they are linked.

Although shocked by the incidents, no one was physically injured in any of the above incidents.

Police would like to hear form anyone who has information about any of the described incidents. They are asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Detective Constable Steve Griffiths at the Local Investigation team at Nuneaton on 02476 641111.