Two Armed Robberies In Same Day
15 September 2010, 13:51 | Updated: 15 September 2010, 13:53
Police are looking for three men after two armed robberies on the same day.
The first happened early yesterday morning in Merley near Wimborne, when men with knives forced their way into a shop to steal cash.
Detective Sergeant Dave Wise said:
“Three local men, aged 22, 27 and 33, were working in the store at the time of this extremely distressing incident.
“The 33-year-old man was struck on the back. He sustained bruising and was treated at the scene.”
All three offenders were wearing balaclavas and dark-coloured clothing. No further description is available at this time.
DS Wise continued: “This is a very serious incident and I would appeal for any witnesses to contact me urgently.
“I understand that the robbers left the store on foot and I would urge anyone who saw three men running in the Sopwith Crescent area at 6am this morning to call Dorset Police as soon as possible.
“It may be that the offenders used a nearby getaway vehicle and they may have also discarded items of clothing as they made good their escape.
“Anyone with any information regarding this incident may be able to help me with my investigation.
“All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”
Just hours later a group with sledgehammers and machetes smashed the window of the Charles Fox Jewellers in Bournemouth - they grabbed items from a display at and ran to a waiting black Audi that was parked along Gervis Place.
Detective Inspector Craig Travers, of Bournemouth & Poole CID, said:
“Fortunately, no staff or members of the public were hurt by either the robbers or the glass that was broken during this offence.
“This is a very serious incident and I am determined to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.
“I would very much like to hear from any witnesses – particularly those that saw a fast-moving dark-coloured Audi after it had left the scene.
“We later recovered an Audi, believed to be the escape car, along Westover Cliff Drive in central Bournemouth and I would especially like to talk to anyone that saw four men leaving the vehicle.
“These men may have swapped cars at this point, possibly at the nearby pay and display car park.
“Any information about this offence – no matter how insignificant you might consider it – could prove vital.”
Witnesses and anyone with information on either incident should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.