Masked armed robber raids Co-op store in Oswestry
A masked armed robber stole money from a till during a raid at a convenience store – the latest in a worrying spate of similar incidents in Oswestry.
The man barged into the Co-op store on Castle Street on Saturday night, leaned over the till, believed to be armed with a knife, and managed to flee with money.
This latest robbery is the fourth in five months, which have seen convenience stores in Oswestry targeted.
Last week, an attempted robbery happened at the Top Shop convenience store in Laburnum Drive, Oswestry, with shopkeeper Balasukantham Balasuntharam, known as Bala, using a wooden pole to chase off a knife-wielding robber who demanded money.
While last year the same Co-op store was targeted by two man brandishing a knife, who escaped with cash, only days before a second Co-op store – in Cabin Lane in the town – was hit by an armed robbery, as a man burst into the shop, threatening a cashier with a blade before making off with cash from the till.
In this latest incident, the man leaned over the till and made off with cash before leaving the premises on foot in an unknown direction, according to officers.
He is described as a white man, aged in his mid 30s or 40s and around 6ft tall and of skinny build. He was wearing blue jeans, a grey zip up hooded top, blue jeans and a blue scarf or mask covering his face.
West Mercia Police say he may have had a small blade or knife on him at the time.
Nobody was injured during the incident.
It was reported at about 7.50pm. Following the incident the store remained closed until Sunday morning.
A spokesman for the Co-op said: "There was an incident in our Castle Street, Oswestry, store at approximately 7:50pm on Saturday, February 11,when an armed intruder entered the store.
"Fortunately, no one was hurt, and we appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the police, who are investigating. The store apologises for any inconvenience caused during its temporary closure, and re-opened on Sunday."
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen a man matching the description in the area at the time is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference number 578s of February 11.
