Warley bank cash machine raided through hole in wall
Robbers cut a hole through the wall of a Black Country bank to get inside and raid a cash machine of tens of thousands of pounds.
The thieves struck at the branch of Lloyds TSB on Hagley Road West in Warley overnight on Sunday. The raid was only discovered when staff arrived at work on Monday and found a hole, just big enough for one person to squeeze through to get into the bank.
Detectives are now investigating what they have described as a "well planned heist" and are appealing for witnesses. Meanwhile, the bank has issued a reward of up to £25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.
Det Sgt Michael Greenland, from West Midlands Police criminal investigation department, said: "This was an organised and carefully planned raid on a bank, at a time when the cash machine was well stocked.
"The audacious robbery happened just a few feet from the busy Hagley Road West and the offenders even covered their tracks by placing a tarpaulin sheet over the rear yard to hide their activities from view.
"They clearly knew what they were doing as they were very quick. I would urge anyone who was passing by or who has information about the raid to speak to us as soon as possible."
IT consultant and father of three Paul Charlton, aged 42, who lives opposite the bank, said: "I did not see or hear anything. The officer said they were there several hours so I'm surprised they were that quiet."
Lloyds TSB refused to comment.
