Armed robbery in Milton Keynes

25 January 2011, 17:41 | Updated: 10 February 2011, 13:28

Police believe an armed robbery - which took place in Great Linford on Monday night - is linked to seven others which have taken place since November.

Most of the incidents have happened at shops in Milton Keynes - although one took place in Old Stratford in Northamptonshire.

The most recent robbery was at 10.30pm at the Co-Operative store in St Leger Court in Great Linford. Three offenders threatened staff with knives and what's thought to be a handgun. They stole cash and cigarettes.

The offenders were all black, possibly Somali, and had their faces covered. The first offender was wearing a black puffa-style jacket and black trousers. The second offender was wearing a grey hooded top and tan coloured trousers. The third offender was wearing a black puffa-style jacket and grey jogging bottoms.

Det Insp Neil Dodds said: “We are linking this latest robbery to the current series of robberies in Milton Keynes. The store had recently been visited by the police to warn them about the robberies and give them advice on what to do should it happen to them. I am pleased to say that the staff listened to our advice and did not try and put up any resistance to the offenders’ demands.

"There is a great deal of work being done to catch these offenders and we are confident that they will be stopped and bought to justice for these offences. I would like to reinforce the message that if a robbery is in progress be compliant and don’t risk your own safety for the sake of the business.”

The first robbery was carried out in the middle of November at the Post Office store in Bradwell Road, Bradville at about 10pm. Since then there have been similar offences in Old Farm Park, Oldbrook, Hodge Lea, Newport Pagnell and Beanhill.

If you have any information about the incidents, you can contact Det Sgt Neil Robinson on 0845 8 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.