Supermarket staff were corralled into a store toilet and forced to wait while robbers made off with cash and cigarettes

August 31, 2012, 2:23 pm

Supermarket staff were corralled into a store toilet and forced to wait while robbers made off with cash and cigarettes.
It happened shortly after 11pm on 27 August 2012, when staff were closing for the night at the Tesco Express, Brandlesholme Road, Bury.

A dark-coloured hatchback car pulled up nearby and offenders got out. As staff raised the shutters to get out the robbers burst in armed with a knife and a wheel brace.

They ordered women staff members to help them take cigarettes down from the shelves and they helped themselves to cash from the tills.

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The staff were then forced into the staff toilet, a shopping trolley blocking the door and robbers told them to wait 10 minutes while they escaped.

The staff eventually emerged and raised the alarm. No-one was injured but staff were shocked by their ordeal.

Officers have now issued images of two men they want to speak to in connection with the robbery.

Detective Constable Andrew Pidd, of Bury CID, said: “The staff were put through a deeply unpleasant ordeal by two criminals who were determined to instil as much fear as possible.

“Staff were threatened with a knife and a wheel brace and the victims were under no illusions that these robbers would use their weapons.

“Thankfully, no-one was physically hurt but it will no doubt take some time for the staff to move on from this.

“We have now issued good quality images of two men wanted in connection with this. Can you please take a good look at the photographs and get in touch if you recognise them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.