DAGENHAM was the scene of a vicious robbery back on Sunday, 6th January – when a gang tied up and threatened a member of staff at a warehouse on Messina way. They tied him to a chair and one of the two robbers showed him what appeared to be the handle of a firearm.
The two robbers helped themselves to boxes of mobile phones and electrical items as a third man loaded the items into a white van. The entire operation took around ten minutes.
Fortunately the member of staff they had tied up was found within minutes by another worker at the warehouse, who was able to free him. He did not suffer any serious physical injury. They quickly called police.
The men had their faces covered – one with a scarf and the other two a mask, which has limited the description that staff were able to give. One of the suspects was described as wearing a dark grey tracksuit with a hooded top, and his breath smelled of stale alcohol. The other robber was described as wearing a grey Nike tracksuit.
Four men aged 28, 29, 39 and 33 were arrested in February in connection with this incident, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. A 30 year old woman was arrested at the same time on suspicion of handling stolen property and a fifth man, aged 25, was arrested on suspicion of conspirary to commit robbery in July. All six were later released but are still under investigation – and the police are now looking for evidence which can progress that investigation.
Detective Constable Conor Lynch, who is leading the investigation, said, “The white Ford Transit van seen in the CCTV we have released today has not yet been located as it had false number plates, and tracking it down is essential to our investigation. The victim found himself in a very frightening situation and we will continue to provide support throughout the process.
“We really need members of the public to look at this footage carefully and come forward if they believe they have any information at all. It could be the piece of evidence we are looking for that helps lead to the conviction of those involved.”
•Anyone who has information which could help the police is asked to contact the Flying Squad via 101 and quote reference Cad 5903/06Jan. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.
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