Bogus Security Officer Steals Takings From Stratford Store

Inc 193 Thursday 16 August

Police investigating a theft of money from a town centre shop in Stratford upon Avon by a bogus cash security officer, are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

The man, who was wearing a safety helmet and body armour entered the Poundland store on Bridge Street in Stratford at shortly before 2pm, carrying two cash boxes which he used to collect money from the store.

A cash security van from the company which collects the takings from the store was parked outside.

As staff prepared a receipt for him to sign, the man left the store without signing for it. Staff went outside and saw a cash security officer sitting in the van. They approached him, but he told them he had not yet made the cash collection.

Police are now checking CCTV in the town centre for images of the bogus collection man, and are also liaising with neighbouring forces to see if similar thefts have taken place elsewhere in the region.

They are also seeking information from witnesses who saw a cash collection taking place at Poundland on Bridge Street, Stratford between 1.30pm - 2pm on Thursday. They are asked to contact the duty Detective Sgt at Leamington Local Investigation team on 01926 415000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where the information can be given anonymously.

Detective Inspector Bob Jamieson from Leamington Local Investigation said, "This was a most unusual theft. The suspect must have made careful plans to co-incide with the arrival of the cash security van at the store. We would urge anyone who saw the money being collected early on Thursday afternoon , or anyone who saw the bogus guard get into any vehicle, to contact us in confidence ."

Ends

Media note: No violence was used or threatened during the theft.