Reward offered for raiders
A series of bank raids across the West Midlands by a hole-in-the-wall gang is being linked by police, with a reward of up to £25,000 being offered for help tracking them down.
A series of bank raids across the West Midlands by a hole-in-the-wall gang is being linked by police, with a reward of up to £25,000 being offered for help tracking them down.
Five banks have been targeted in the last month including Lloyds and Barclays branches in Walsall, Brierley Hill, Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Each time the raiders used sledgehammers to smash their way through brick walls at the banks.
The method has proved successful three out the five times they struck when they made off with substantial amounts of cash.
Detective Sergeant Dave Hanson from Bloxwich CID is leading the investigation. He said: "The striking similarities between these incidents has led to us linking five burglaries and attempted burglaries so far.
"In each incident the burglars are using various means in attempts to smash through brick walls at the side or rear of the premises in order to get into the bank.
"The offenders will have made considerable noise when trying to get into the banks and I appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual to come forward.
"We are especially interested in hearing about any vehicles seen acting suspiciously in the area of these banks during closed hours."
All of the raids have taken place at night, when no-one has been inside the premises. Police could not put a figure on how much the gang has got away with today.
Both Barclays and Lloyds TSB are members of the British Bankers Association Reward Scheme and as such can offer a reward of up to £25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of offenders.
During the first break-in during the weekend of November 14 Lloyds TSB on High Street, Aldridge, was targeted. Staff arrived at the village's bank on Monday November 16 to find a large hole in the brickwork and several plastic till boxes stolen.
The gang has also struck at Barclays branches in Brierley Hill, Brownhills, Chapel Ash and at a Lloyds TSB in Kingstanding Road, Birmingham.
Anyone with information relating to any of the incidents is urged to contact Bloxwich CID on 01922 439117.
