Man in court accused over West Midlands Co-op robberies
A gang of robbers threatened staff and stole thousands of pounds from Co-op stores across the West Midlands, a court heard.
Workers were grabbed around the neck and ordered to open safes and tills as raiders targeted shops, including one in Sutton Road, Walsall, and another in Stourport Road, Kidderminster.
Amandeep Singh is accused of being part of the criminal ring and is now standing trial charged with conspiracy to commit robbery between January and November last year. It is claimed he was part of robberies in which more than £5,500 was taken.
Outlining the case at Stafford Crown Court yesterday, prosecutor Mr Paul Spratt said there was a team of up to four people who were part of the conspiracy.
In total there were 15 known robberies, although not all those involved attended each raid. There was a common link that they took place just minutes before the 10pm closing time of the stores. The faces of those involved were covered and dark clothing was worn. Once the safe or till was opened the money was put into a rucksack.
Mr Spratt said Singh, of Birchfield, Birmingham, is believed to have been part of six robberies. Police searched his home on November 1 last year and a number of telephones and messages, which appeared to link him with others, were recovered.
The investigation showed traces of his DNA were also found on a rucksack. The first robbery Singh, aged 25, is accused of taking part in was in Stourport Road, Kidderminster, where £2,200 was stolen on January 4 last year.
Two people stormed into the premises and demanded the safe was opened.
Mr Spratt said: "We say the defendant is involved in six robberies, he is in the conspiracy." Singh denies the charge.
The trial continues.
