Witness Plea After Armed Robbery At Redditch

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a robbery at the Costcutters store and post office at the Matchborough Centre in Redditch this morning (Thursday 5 August).

Four masked raiders entered the store, off Matchborough Way, at about 9.42am armed with what are thought to have been crowbars and batons. They emerged shortly afterwards with a shopping trolley filled with cigarettes.

However while attempting to load them into a black car parked on a path at the back of the centre, by the Old Sticky Wicket pub, they were disturbed by a police officer arriving at the scene. The robbers drove off towards Hatfield Close, leaving the cigarettes behind.

During the incident a male member of staff at the store was struck with a bar and has been taken to hospital with a minor arm injury.

The getaway car had an 03 plate at the front and a plate with the name ‘MOONEY' on the back of the vehicle.

Detective Inspector Brian Russell from Redditch CID said: "Fortunately no-one was seriously injured during this robbery, although a staff member has been hurt, but it's vital that we identify those involved.

"We are appealing for anyone who was near the Matchborough Centre and saw anything that might be related to the incident to give us a call at the earliest opportunity.

"We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen the black car used by the robbers, which has a distinctive plate at the back with lettering spelling out the name ‘MOONEY'. We believe this was near Hatfield Close prior it arriving at the Matchborough Centre and we'd urge anyone who noticed such a car in the area to get in touch."

Witnesses or anyone with information should call officers at Redditch CID on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 153-S-050810, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Thursday 5 August 2010