Robbers snatch cash from security guard outside Ringwood Lloyds

Staff were inside the Lloyds TSB bank and lots of shoppers were already in Ringwood High Street yesterday morning when one of the men jumped out and grappled the cash cassette from the guard after he had arrived outside to make a delivery.

The robber jumped onto the back of his accomplice’s scooter as a group of bystanders chased after the two men, but they made it away with what was believed to be £25,000.

Graham Gore-Thorne, a window cleaner, was among the five or six have-a-go heroes who chased after them as they pulled the money from the cassette and discarded the empty case on the street.

He said: “I was walking down the road when I noticed a scooter with its headlights on.

“I heard a commotion and somebody shouted and this man outside the bank grabbed a case from the security guard.

“He jumped on the back of the scooter and as he got on, he opened the case up and took the money out.

“Then he threw the case on the floor.”

Graham said he heard that £25,000 was taken as he gave his statement.

A Hampshire police spokesman said no one was hurt in the incident but ‘bank staff and the guard were left shocked by what happened’.

Staff at Lloyds told the Echo they heard a lot of shouting when the robbery happened outside.

Afterwards the robbers fled up Mansfield Road towards the dual carriageway.

And the Black Honda SH300, scooter-style motorbike they used was later found abandoned at Narrow Lane in Poulner, near the slip road on to the eastbound side of the A31.

Witnesses said the robbers wore dark clothing and police believe the pair travelled from outside the area to commit the robbery.

Chris Patterson, of W Patterson Butchers in High Street, said he saw the robbers flee past the security guard’s van.

He said: “The case came flying out open into the street when they left.

“Someone from Lloyds told me they got £25,000.

“The guys at the bank said those cash cases just pop open and they were gone in seconds.”

Traders in shock after incident

TRADERS were left shocked after the robbery.

Alison Smith, who owns the Simply Beauty salon close by, said: “I heard the shouting going on.

“In between the guard going from the bank to the van apparently a motorbike pulled up with two guys on – one grabbed the bag and they rode off.

“It’s been a bit of a shock of a morning.

“There were quite a lot of police officers out and about and the van was still there afterwards.

“Everyone is shocked that it was broad daylight and happened so quickly.”

Jonathan Boswell, who owns Food for Thought on High Street, saw a forensics team arrive afterwards.

“It happened before I got here to open the shop, the police cars overtook me while I was driving.”

Mike Patterson, of W Patterson Butchers in High Street, added: “They were on a little scooter and headed up the High Street.

“The scooter has been abandoned somewhere, I have heard.”

Alison Howell, secretary of Ringwood Chamber of Commerce said robberies are unusual in Ringwood.

“It’s quite shocking,” she said.

“I hope the person involved is okay.

“Unfortunately these incidents are becoming more common and no area is immune.

“It’s a sign of the times.

“But I think traders will be shocked; I think something like this would shock any community.

“It may lead to people taking extra precautions about how they deal with money in their tills, take extra safety steps.

“People look out for each other anyway but this incident could emphasise that even further.”

Search

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to the cash-in-transit robbery, which took place outside Lloyds TSB bank in the High Street around 9am.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said a man came up to the guard as he tried to deliver the money and snatched the cash cassette he was carrying and got onto a motorbike being driven away by an accomplice waiting nearby.

A search was being carried out for the robbers yesterday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lyndhurst CID on 101 or or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A G4S spokesman confirmed the courier was not seriously injured, but was shaken by the attack.

He said he has been offered counselling and management is on hand to support him.

“The psychological impact that attacks of this nature can have on individuals should not be underestimated,” he said.

The spokesman added: “Our staff have the right to expect to be able to go about their duties without fear of attack and we are working with the police so that those responsible for this incident can be made accountable for their actions in court.”