Robbery at Lightwater bank

North West Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses to a robbery at a bank in Lightwater on Friday, 29 December 2006, when a man posing as a security guard stole a large sum of cash.

The raid at Barclays bank in Guildford Road happened at 2.24pm, when two female members of staff were tied up by the robber, who then stole cash from the ATM machine. A second suspect was involved in the crime when he helped the burglar to escape by opening the bank door for him. The get away vehicle, which is described as a blue Audi A4, with the registration EA52 FXT, sped off.

The main offender is described as a black man, approximately 5ft 10” tall, aged about 45 years-old and of skinny build. He was clean shaven and was wearing a black or navy crash helmet, a white shirt with a partly gold coloured badge on its shoulders, black trousers and black Nike trainers. The suspect spoke with an Afro/Caribbean accent and was carrying a grey security cash box.

The second offender is described as a white man, aged in his 50’s, who was slightly tanned, with a round face and stubble. He wore a dark fleecy jacket.

Officers are also appealing for anyone who may have seen a purple BMW which was apparently travelling in convoy with the Audi, after the incident on the A322 in the direction of Bracknell.

The blue Audi A4 has since been recovered in Bog Lane, Bracknell where the occupants were seen to make off in a BMW 3 series saloon, which is described as being a metallic grey colour with a J registration plate. This car sped off from Bog Lane and travelled along New Forest Ride towards the Coral Reef Leisure Pool.

Detective Inspector Wendy Whiting said: “I would urge anyone who has any information about the robbery itself, any of the cars involved or any other knowledge which can help police bring these offenders to justice, to contact Surrey Police as soon as possible. This was a serious offence which caused shock and minor injury to the bank staff. A reward has been offered by their employers in a bid to help solve this crime.”

Barclays is offering a reward of up to £25,000 for any member of the public who provides information which leads to the conviction of the offenders.

Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery, seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area or with any information which could help the enquiry is asked to call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.

Note:

Conditions of a reward from Barclays:

1. The award applies to any offence committed in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

2. Barclays is a participating member of the British Bankers Association Reward Scheme. The precise sum and whether or not it should be paid is at the absolute discretion of members of the scheme.

For more information call Margaret Cole, Press and Publicity Officer for North West Surrey based at Woking on 01483 655785

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.

For up-to-date news see our website at: www.surrey.police.uk

For more details please contact Judy Williams, Divisional Information Officer

E-mail 8228@surrey.pnn.police.uk

North West Surrey Police, Direct Line 01483 655785