Robbers attack employee in ‘frightening’ theft at Cranleigh One Stop shop

Robbers dressed all in black robbed a convenience store in Cranleigh in a ‘frightening ordeal’ for staff yesterday (Monday February 9), police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2015, 11:59 BST
JPCT 100215 S15060825x One Stop Community Stores Ltd, 1 Alfold Road, Cranleigh -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-151002-131549001JPCT 100215 S15060825x One Stop Community Stores Ltd, 1 Alfold Road, Cranleigh -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-151002-131549001
JPCT 100215 S15060825x One Stop Community Stores Ltd, 1 Alfold Road, Cranleigh -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-151002-131549001

Four men with their faces covered left the One Stop store in Alfold Road with a quantity of cash and made off in a getaway car parked in Westdene Meadows at around 6.20am.

The thieves forced their way into the shop just after 6am when staff were about to open for business.

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Employees were restrained and one was struck to the side of the face, police added.

Police said the intruders were then disturbed but escaped on foot along Elmbridge Road, dropping coins, moneybags and a cash tray, before fleeing in the car.

Last month, the One Stop shop in Broadbridge Heath was also targeted by robbers, who made off with cash and cigarettes.

Detective constable Lawrence Burden said: “This was a terrifying experience for the members of staff who were going about their everyday business and just about to open up.

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“They were bundled into a back room whilst the intruders searched the shop and stole a sum of money.

“It was extremely fortunate the employees were not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment - however they were subject to a frightening ordeal which may stay with them for some time to come.”

The suspects are all described as well-built men between 5ft 10” and 6ft tall. They were wearing black tracksuit bottoms, black hooded tops pulled up over their heads with black scarves around their mouths.

DC Burden added: “The suspects were all clad in black and had their faces covered at the time of the offence but it is likely they were in the area before committing the robbery and I would urge anyone who may have seen anything or anyone acting suspiciously to call officers with any information.

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“Surrey Police will not tolerate this type of violent crime in its neighbourhoods and will do everything possible to protect the community by locating and bringing these offenders to justice.”

House to house enquiries have been carried out by detectives at the scene.

Anyone with information can contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45150011030 or by using the online reporting system found at http://www.surrey.police.uk/

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.