Masked thieves with machete raid Dudley Co-op store
Masked machete-wielding thieves struck at a Co-op shop in Dudley robbing two cash-in-transit guards.
The armed robbery unfolded at the Central England Co-op store in Dibdale Road, Lower Gornal, shortly after 10am today.
Three masked men, carrying a machete, stormed the store and threatened the guards – before stealing cash boxes and fleeing the scene.
No one was injured, but staff in the store were left shaken by the ordeal a Central England Co-operative spokesman confirmed.
West Midlands Police has now launched an investigation into the armed robbery and are appealing for witnesses.
Residents in the area have spoken of their shock and called it a "nice family area".
A neighbour said: "It is quite frightening to hear what’s happened as this is a nice area with not much going on. I always use the Co-op so it’s scary to have something like that happening.
“I hope the staff are ok and no one was injured, and that they catch those responsible.”
A resident who lives near to the store, but wished to remain anonymous, said: "This is a nice family area with not much crime, you don’t want to hear about something like this. I take my kids into the store all the time, imagine if they had been there and seen that.
“Crime is happening so often across the country and now it’s creeping into nice areas.”
While another added: "I didn’t see any police cars or anything, so it makes you wonder whether they’ve caught anyone.
“I have been into the shop today and did notice more staff than usual and people not in uniforms, so I guess they’re here because of what’s happened. What a shame.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to reports of an armed robbery at a Co-op store in Dibdale Road, Dudley, shortly after 10am today.
"It is believed three masked men, one of whom was carrying a machete, entered the shop and threatened two cash-in-transit staff, before snatching the cash boxes and fleeing in a car.
"Fortunately no one was injured and investigations continue."
A Central England Co-operative spokesman added: "We can confirm that an armed robbery took place at our Dudley Food Store on June 19.
"The members of staff on duty are unharmed, but they are obviously shaken by the incident and our primary concern is their safety and wellbeing.
"We are giving our full support to the police while they investigate this matter."
Anyone with information about the armed robbery at the store, is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting incident crime reference number 778 of June 19.
Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
