09/12/2009

Reward Offer Follows Cash Robbery

A private security firm has put up a reward of £10,000 for information leading to the prosecution of robbers who stole from guards in Leeds last month.

Two guards were delivering money to cash machines at Sainbury's in Moor Allerton at around 4.30pm on Tuesday 10 November, when they were set upon.

One of the guards was seriously injured after being stabbed in the chest.

The three suspects, who were all wearing balaclavas, also hit both guards over the head with an axe before fleeing the scene.

Security firm Loomis said it would pay £10,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

An empty cash box was later found nearby on Church Lane at Meanwood.

Police said the 44-year-old security guard stabbed in the raid is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

He has been released from hospital and is recuperating at home.

The other guard, who suffered less serious injuries, has been treated for shock and currently remains off work as he recovers.

Police have also released CCTV images of a silver five-door Vauxhall Astra they believe may have been used as a get-away vehicle.

It is seen on CCTV pictures taken from a local business on Green Road at Meanwood shortly after 4.35am.

It is believed the vehicle travelled from the Leeds ring-road (A6120) down Tongue Lane leading to Church Lane, where police found a stolen cash cassette.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Bottomley, who is leading the investigation, said it is only by chance that no-one died during the incident.

"The suspects showed a complete disregard for the lives of the two security guards they attacked with weapons.

"The CCTV footage of the silver Astra is one line of enquiry and we are looking for any information regarding the movements of this car and its occupants."

He added: "This was an extremely violent robbery in which a family man was almost killed and it's vital those responsible are taken off the streets and brought before the courts."

Police have since implemented Operation Redcoat across West Yorkshire, which sees specialist firearms officers working alongside security firms to monitor and accompany cash in transit deliveries.

(PR/BMcC)

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