13/03/2020
Arrest Over Armed Robbery Of Cash In Transit Van
A 32 year-old man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a cash in transit delivery vehicle in Belfast City Centre.
The suspect was detained following searches of three properties in the Divis area of west Belfast on Thursday night, 12 March.
The incident occured in the Academy Street area at around 7.50am on Tuesday morning, 10 March.
A man armed with a black handgun threatened the cash in transit employee to hand over a cash box.
The suspect made off from the scene, with the cash box, in a grey/silver coloured older Renault Megan Scenic car that was driven by an accomplice.
Police have not confirmed the amount of money that was stolen but said a green die pack fitted for security did explode.
The suspect is described as around 5'7" tall and wore a dark coloured balaclava, a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves and grey bottoms.
The vehicle was discovered on fire a short time later in Roumania Rise, while the empty cash box was found abandoned a short distance away.
Police are appealing for information in connection with the rush hour robbery.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area of Academy Street, or Exchange Street, or the car being abandoned and set alight on Roumania Rise on Tuesday morning is urged to call detectives on 101 quoting reference number 185 of 10/03/2020
Detective Sergeant O'Flaherty said: "I would also be keen for drivers with dashcams who were in the area on Tuesday morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help.
"While we are not confirming the amount of money that was stolen, a green die pack fitted as part of the security measures in the cash box did explode, so I would also ask people and in particular retailers to contact us if they encounter anyone attempting to use banknotes covered in green dye.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
(JG/CM)
The suspect was detained following searches of three properties in the Divis area of west Belfast on Thursday night, 12 March.
The incident occured in the Academy Street area at around 7.50am on Tuesday morning, 10 March.
A man armed with a black handgun threatened the cash in transit employee to hand over a cash box.
The suspect made off from the scene, with the cash box, in a grey/silver coloured older Renault Megan Scenic car that was driven by an accomplice.
Police have not confirmed the amount of money that was stolen but said a green die pack fitted for security did explode.
The suspect is described as around 5'7" tall and wore a dark coloured balaclava, a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves and grey bottoms.
The vehicle was discovered on fire a short time later in Roumania Rise, while the empty cash box was found abandoned a short distance away.
Police are appealing for information in connection with the rush hour robbery.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area of Academy Street, or Exchange Street, or the car being abandoned and set alight on Roumania Rise on Tuesday morning is urged to call detectives on 101 quoting reference number 185 of 10/03/2020
Detective Sergeant O'Flaherty said: "I would also be keen for drivers with dashcams who were in the area on Tuesday morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help.
"While we are not confirming the amount of money that was stolen, a green die pack fitted as part of the security measures in the cash box did explode, so I would also ask people and in particular retailers to contact us if they encounter anyone attempting to use banknotes covered in green dye.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
(JG/CM)
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