LISTEN: Cash delivery drivers targeted in separate armed robberies in west Belfast

By Q Radio News

Two cash transit carriers have been targeted by armed robbers in Belfast in separate incidents. 

One employee was outside a supermarket on Kennedy Way when they were threatened by a man carrying a knife at around 10.10am this morning. 

The assailant dropped the cash a short distance away as he escaped in a white Peugeot 208 which police believe was driven by an accomplice. 

Another worker was targeted outside a shop on the Glen Road a short time later. 

The culprits drove off in the direction of the the Monagh bypass. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin G4S staff and shop workers have been left badly shaken.  

“This robbery is a direct attack on the community of West Belfast," he said. 

“Those responsible for this reckless and criminal act must get off the backs of our community.

“As a result of this incident, the local shop has had to close due to staff being shaken up. The community has lost access to an amenity.

“The owner of this shop and the staff have been invaluable to the community response in West Belfast and I offer them my absolute support.

“This is a time of a public health emergency, our frontline services are working tirelessly to protect the health and well-being of citizens - they should not be distracted by the activities of mindless thugs.

“I would appeal for anyone with information to contact the PSNI.” 

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following two armed robberies of cash in transit delivery vehicles in Belfast this morning, Saturday 11 April.  

In a statement the PSNI said: "The first incident was reported to police shortly after 10.10am.  It was reported that a man, armed with a knife, threatened a cash in transit employee outside a supermarket on Kennedy Way. 

"The man made off with a cash box which he dropped a short distance away before making off in a white coloured Peugeot 208 car that is believed was driven by an accomplice.

"The man is described as being aged in his late 20s, approximately 5’9” tall and of slim build.  He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap and light coloured zip-up jacket.

"A short time later it was reported that a man, armed with a knife, threatened a cash in transit employee outside a shop on Glen Road.  The man made off with a cash box in a white coloured Peugeot 208 car down the Glen Road towards the Monagh bypass".

Detective Sergeant McCallum said officers are investigating a link between these incidents.

"I am appealing for anyone who witnessed either incident or anyone who saw a white Peugeot car being driven erratically in the area this morning to call detectives on 101 quoting reference 604 or 608 11/04/20," he added. 

"I am aware that a number of members of the public were in the area when these incidents took place and I would also be keen for anyone with mobile phone footage or any drivers with dashcams who were in the area this morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."