Security men are punched as robbers take cash

Oct 2 2007 by Anna Hammond, South Wales Echo

POLICE are hunting masked men who robbed security guards as they refilled a cash machine.

The two security men were punched to the ground, threatened and robbed as they refilled a cash machine in Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan.

One of the villains claimed to have a gun although no weapons were seen during the violent attack.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the heist which happened outside the Halifax, in Holton Road.

Councillor Barry Shaw, who lives near the town centre said: “This is shocking. It is very rare for this sort of serious crime to be committed in this part of town.

“In fact, I cannot remember an incident of this kind in Holton Road which has undergone extensive improvements, including the introduction of CCTV cameras.”

The robbers forced the Securicor guards to lay face down on the ground as they snatched two metal cases containing an undisclosed sum of cash, before fleeing at around 7.20pm on Friday.

The guards were not badly injured but were said to be shaken up by the attack.

Both suspects – one white, one black – were dressed in black.

They had their faces covered and may have been wearing scarves and hooded tops or balaclavas.

Police are studying CCTV footage from cameras in the town in a bid to identify the men who ran from the bank towards Newland Street.

Councillor Shaw added: “It seems to me that these two criminals might have known the routine of the guards and therefore knew when to pounce.

“Crime levels are down in Barry and that is partly due to the CCTV cameras which cover the area and the operators.

“We must hope that this incident has been captured on the cameras and that these men will be caught. Also, quite a lot of people are out an about in that area at that time of night. Hopefully, somebody has some vital information.”

n If you saw the men or have any other information contact Penarth CID on 029 2022 2111, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

anna.hammond@mediawales.co.uk