North-west England link with Shropshire cashpoint robbery

They are liaising closely with officers from Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire forces after three cash cassettes stolen in last month’s robbery on November 20 were discovered on the hard shoulder of the north-bound M6.

Two masked men escaped with a “substantial sum” of money from a cashpoint machine after confronting security staff at Jay Services, Cosford Garage on the A41 in Albrighton, Shropshire at around 10.30pm on November 20.

Two security staff were threatened with “blades” and made to lie on the ground. They were shaken up but not injured. The exact amount of money stolen has not been disclosed.

A £5,000 reward has been offered by a security firm for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.

Detective Sergeant John Weaver, the investigating officer with West Mercia Police, said today: “It is now three weeks since the robbery and our investigations are continuing.

“We have recovered three of the four bank note cassettes stolen in the incident from alongside the M6 heading north and there is a strong possibility that the robbers travelled to Shropshire from the north-west.

“Officers from West Mercia are being assisted by colleagues from Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire police forces.”

DS Weaver said he hoped the £5,000 reward would encourage people to come forward with information to help identify the offenders.

“We are appealing for public assistance from anyone who knows those responsible or is suspicious of men who have suddenly come into money. Callers can speak in confidence to me or other officers at Shrewsbury CID on 0300 333 3000. They can also leave a message with the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

“If you can help in any way, call now.”

He said one cassette was found discarded in Cheshire between junctions 18 and 19 of the M6, near Middlewich and Knutsford. Two others were found a short time later near junction 26 close to Wigan, where major routes split for Merseyside and the Manchester area.

DS Weaver added: “The investigation is still very much on-going and I am hopeful someone will come forward from the north-west to claim the reward with information which provides a break through.”