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Armed raid forces ID clampdown at building society
Alex Scapens5/ 3/2008
CUSTOMERS at a Bramhall building society must now show ID at the door before being allowed in, after a machete-wielding armed gang escaped with £15,000.
A closed door policy at the Britannia, on Bramhall Lane, means anyone wishing to deposit or withdraw money - whatever their age or position - has to bring their passbook or card.
The extreme security measures have been implemented after talks with police in the wake of three masked menthreatening staff and members of the public at the branch last Wednesday at 4pm.
One of the armed gang stood at the entrance to prevent more customers entering while another screamed "get down on the floor and give us money" at terrified counter staff.
Two customers in the branch were also stopped from getting out, and were left shaken up by the experience.
Det Insp Terry Sweeney, from Stockport CID, said: "This was a frightening ordeal for members of the public just going about their business.
"It was just as frightening for staff who don’t deserve such treatment. These men have no right to go round causing fear like this.
"They need detaining as soon as possible to prevent similar fear being caused for others."
Once the robbers had grabbed money from the till they sped off in a white Fiat Doblo driven by a fourth man.
The car had been stolen from Oldham earlier in the month and was later found abandoned nearby.
Forensic teams have combed the Fiat for clues, including fingerprints.
Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident, and say the men were all wearing balaclavas and dressed in black.
A spokesman for Britannia Building Society said there was good quality CCTV footage of the robbery and it had been handed to detectives.
He added: "Working with police, we have been advised to put extra precautions in place. We have a one-in-one-out type system with someone manning the door that will deter the perpetrators. It is temporary until we get further advice.
"We are doing everything we can to co-operate with the police to catch the people who did this. All the staff are alright and we will be helping them in any way needed."
Anyone with information can contact Stockport CID on 856 9755 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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11/03/2008 at 21:39
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