Bank raid appeal goes national

DETECTIVES in Warrington who are investigating a bank robbery have taken an appeal for information to a national audience.
CCTV footage of up to four men police are trying to trace in connection with the incident at the Nat West Bank in the centre of Stockton Heath has been shown as part of the Crimewatch Roadshow.
The incident took place on the afternoon of Friday June 1 last year at around 5.20pm – just after the bank had closed and while staff were cashing up.
Two men armed with a sledgehammer, forced their way into the premises by smashing the front door of the building. Once inside, they stole a large quantity of cash before fleeing the scene in a black Volvo.
The Volvo was later found abandoned nearby along with the sledgehammer.
There are believed to have been up to four men involved in the robbery – the two men who went into the bank and the another two men in the car.
The two men who went into the bank, one of whom was wearing a high-vis jacket, are described as being aged between 20-25.
DC Gareth Yates said: “Fortunately no-one was injured as a result of the incident but staff at the bank were left extremely shaken by their ordeal.
“Extensive enquiries have been carried out by a team of officers – these include CCTV enquiries, forensic enquiries, numerous enquiries locally and also enquiries with other police forces.
“The appearance on the Crimewatch Roadshow has taken our appeal to a national platform and any information that is passed on following the show will be followed-up.”
Enquiries are continuing and there is now a British Bankers’ Association reward of up to £15,000 available for information which leads to an arrest and conviction.
DC Yates added: “Members of the public have come forward with information as part of our investigation and we would like to thank them for their assistance.
“The robbery took place in daylight in a busy area. We are aware that there were a lot of people around at the time and we would urge anyone who may have seen something significant and has not yet come forward and spoken to police to get in touch – even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case.
“Likewise, I would appeal to anyone who knows the identity of the four men to come forward and speak to us.”
Anyone with any information, which could assist officers with their enquiries, is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.
Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.