Armed Robbery bid at Coatbridge Post Office

[clashcityrocker]

http://www.acadvertiser.co.uk/lanarkshi ... -29164105/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


A BLADE-WIELDING thug used a shopper as a “human shield” as he attempted to rob a Coatbridge post office.
The masked crook grabbed a member of the public and tried to force terrified counter staff in the Kirkwood outlet to hand over cash.
But they refused his demands and a brave shopper intervened, forcing the raider – who was armed with a “large bladed weapon” – to flee the scene.
The incident happened at the post office concession in the Scotmid general store in Woodside Street just after 9am on Saturday. Police officers scoured the area in patrol cars and a helicopter was also involved in the hunt for the suspect.
Scotmid communications chief Malcolm Brown praised staff for their response and thanked the member of the public who came to the rescue.
He said: “It is horrifying that this type of thing happens and the staff were badly shaken by it.
“They did everything by the book so praise is due to them and the customer who tried to help.
“We would like to thank the customer and we are trying to find out who it was to thank them personally.
“You can see the customer approaching him [on the CCTV footage] and trying to persuade him to stop what he was doing.”
Kirkwood residents were shocked at the robbery bid which is believed to be the fourth such incident at the store in recent years. Scotmid recently took over the outlet from Spar and have now placed a security guard in the store to deter would-be robbers.
Customer Agnes Gilchrist (68) said: “It makes you frightened to go to the shops.
“I came down here at the weekend and it was the first time I had been out for months.
“There should be more police on the street and that would make people feel safer.”
Ellen McGuinness (51) who lives in nearby Mitchell Street, added: “It is terrible something like this has happened.
“I saw the police helicopter coming down really low looking for who did it.
“But it is not the first time someone has tried to rob it and it probably won’t be the last.”
Shop worker William McMahon was working at Dougherty Family Butchers in Woodside Street when the drama unfolded.
He said: “It must have been frightening for those who were standing in there waiting to get served and then that happens.
“I knew something was going on because I heard the helicopter. It wasn’t until later that I heard someone had tried to rob the place.
“People are desperate for money but this is terrible.”
Coatbridge police are now on the hunt for the suspect.
A spokesman said: “He attempted to conceal his identity from staff by using the member of the public as a human shield. Staff refused to hand over any money and the suspect fled empty- handed on being confronted by staff and shoppers.
“He is described as being a male 5ft 3in to 5ft 5in tall, of slim to medium build with a sun-tanned complexion. He was wearing a black hooded quilted jacket, grey hoodie, black or grey scarf and black jogging bottoms.”

[fishtank]

What was it Ed Davey said about removing the bandit barriers...

Mr Davey said security was less of a concern than in the past as many financial transactions previously done by post offices were now done online.

"If you look back in history the fortress was brought in the early 70s as the post office handled more cash and became more vulnerable. If you look at the number of post offices that are held up or robbed today, it is tiny.

Ed...you're a dick.

[blue1873]

What was it Ed Davey said about removing the bandit barriers...

Mr Davey said security was less of a concern than in the past as many financial transactions previously done by post offices were now done online.

"If you look back in history the fortress was brought in the early 70s as the post office handled more cash and became more vulnerable. If you look at the number of post offices that are held up or robbed today, it is tiny.

Ed...you're a dick.

Agree with that Fish he does spout a lot off piss

[Lounge Lizard]

What was it Ed Davey said about removing the bandit barriers...

Mr Davey said security was less of a concern than in the past as many financial transactions previously done by post offices were now done online.

"If you look back in history the fortress was brought in the early 70s as the post office handled more cash and became more vulnerable. If you look at the number of post offices that are held up or robbed today, it is tiny.

Ed...you're a dick.

"Kirkwood residents were shocked at the robbery bid which is believed to be the fourth such incident at the store in recent years. Scotmid recently took over the outlet from Spar and have now placed a security guard in the store to deter would-be robbers." - and it will be more than four every few years once the 'fortress' screens are taken down.