Police probe shop robberies

POLICE patrols have been stepped up at Warrington following a string of robberies at shops.
Over the past 10 weeks there have been eight robberies reported to police at convenience stores across the town.
Detectives believe the incidents are linked and are currently following up a number of lines of enquiry.
High-visibility patrols are being carried out in key areas at key times – particularly in the evening. Officers are visiting shops that have been victims of this type of crime offering crime reduction and security advice and offering any advice or support if needed.
Detective Inspector Simon Blackwell said: “There have been a number of robberies at business premises in Warrington over the past few months.
“In some cases the offenders have armed themselves with weapons and threatened staff. Those involved have been left extremely shaken by their ordeal.
“We believe that these incidents are linked and are appealing to the pubic for help in tracing those responsible.
“We are urging anyone who witnessed the incidents or has any information in relation to the identity of the offenders to come forward.
“The majority of the incidents have taken place between 8pm and 11pm as the shops were getting ready to close for the night and we believe there may have been people in the area at those times who have seen the offenders fleeing the scene.
“We are working closely alongside each business that has been affected to offer reassurance and any security advice if needed.
“We want to reassure the business community across Warrington that we take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and will do all we can to trace those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.”
Anyone with any information, which might assist officers with their enquiries, is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.
Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.