Detectives investigating the report of a robbery in Greysteel yesterday afternoon (Saturday 16th March) have made two arrests and issued a fresh appeal for information.
Detective Sergeant Wallace said: “Police received a report at noon that a cash-in-transit van guard had been robbed at gunpoint by two masked men outside a shop/filling station on Clooney Road.
“The guard was with another guard at the time inside the ATM bunker, located at the side of the shop in the village.
“One of the suspects, reportedly armed with what was described as a handgun, threatened one of the guards demanding he hand over the cash cassette.
“The suspects, both of whom are reported to have worn gloves and what were described as ‘old man masks’, then fled on foot with the cash cassette across the main Clooney Road towards houses in the St Columbas Walk area. Thankfully, neither of the guards were physically injured.
“We have since arrested two men, aged 24 and 37.
“The 24-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a firearm with intent and possession of a Class B controlled drug.
“The 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a firearm with intent, using a mobile phone whilst driving, and using a motor vehicle without insurance. Both men remain in custody assisting with our enquiries.
“We know that when the suspects struck it was a busy time of the day, with customers at the premises and with drivers on the Clooney Road.
“I would ask drivers who were in the area just prior to or after midday yesterday, and who may have captured the incident and the two male suspects fleeing the scene on their dash cam to contact us.
“At this time, the dark-coloured cash cassette has yet to be recovered and I would ask anyone who comes across this cassette or anything that looks out of place to get in touch with detectives in Coleraine by calling 101, quoting reference 511 of 16/03/19.”
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.
