Gunmen in terrifying bank raid

Jun 17 2009 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

GUNMEN IN BANK RAID TERROR

COPS have stepped up their bid to catch the armed robbers who carried out a late-night raid on a security van in Airdrie.

Two villains escaped with a five-figure sum after brandishing a firearm at terrified guards outside the Bank of Scotland in South Bridge Street.

They threatened the two security workers, who handed over the cash at around 11.30pm last Wednesday.

A police armed response unit raced to the scene and a helicopter circled the area but the suspects escaped without trace.

Police are keen to hear from members of the public who were near the crime scene between 9pm and 11.30pm that evening.

Detective Inspector Kenny Graham, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would ask anyone who was in the area of South Bridge Street that night and saw two men acting suspiciously to contact me.

“There is a Dominos Pizza takeaway nearby and many public houses, plus South Bridge Street is one of the main routes through Airdrie and is generally a busy road with a good volume of traffic. I would ask any customers who visited Dominos that night or anyone who was driving through the area between 9pm and 11.30pm to come forward if they saw anything at all.

“Also, if any member of the public saw anyone acting suspiciously in the car park at the rear of the bank, we would like to hear from them as well.”

The Group 4 security staff were carrying out cash-in-transit duties at the Bank of Scotland branch, which is halfway up South Bridge Street, when they were approached by two armed men.

Both employees, in fear of their safety, handed over the cash and were left unharmed by the gun-wielding thugs.

One of the men was described as slim, wearing a black jacket, washed-out blue jeans and black gloves and wearing a black balaclava to conceal his face.

The other was also wearing washed-out blue jeans, a black hoodie and black gloves. He also wore a black balaclava and was described as being of medium build.

Police are not ruling out the possibility that the men could have been involved in similar raids elsewhere in the area.

DI Graham added: “Thankfully both victims were uninjured; however, as you can imagine, they are extremely shaken following a traumatic ordeal.

“There is nothing to suggest this robbery is linked to any other cash-in-transit robberies in the Strathclyde force area, but, we are keeping an open mind and would appeal to members of the public to help trace these two men.

“If anyone has any information that they think could be helpful to the investigation call Coatbridge police station on 01236 502059. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”