CCTV clue after double ram raid
OFFENDERS USED CAR TO SMASH INTO POST OFFICE AND SHOP
POLICE have released CCTV pictures of men they want to speak to after a Post Office and shop were ram-raided.
The first aggravated burglary happened at the Kirkholt Post Office on The Strand, Rochdale, at around 11pm last Friday.
Three men rammed the shutters of the post office with a car, believed to be a silver Peugeot 407.
This smashed the front windows, police said.
One of the men from the car – who had a weapon – raided the post office and took the till and its contents.
The three offenders then made off from the scene in the Peugeot.
No one was in the Post Office at the time, but ‘significant’ damage was caused.
The next day – Saturday, December 12 – at around 5.30am, the same car was used in another ram-raid at Raafiullah Superstore on Albert Royds Street.
The offenders made off with a ‘large amount’ of cigarettes and tobacco.
Nobody was in the shop at the time, but ‘significant’ damage was caused. No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing.
Detectives have now released CCTV images of men they want to speak to.
They are also urging anyone who recognises them, or who witnessed the incidents, to come forward.
Detective Constable David Thornton, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “Luckily no-one was present during these burglaries; however we must not underestimate the impact this burglary will have on these shops in the run up to Christmas.
“Significant damage was caused to both store fronts which means they will not be able to function as usual, causing inconvenience to the community who rely heavily on both the post office and superstore.
“If you witnessed either of these incidents or recognise the offenders in the images, please contact police as soon as possible as your information could prove vital in our investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1707, quoting incident number 3217 of 11/12/2020.
Alternatively, information can be passed on to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.