Comment

Pub Owners Hilary Timms and Keith Johnson

AN armed raid on the Co-op in Malmesbury High Street was the final act in a weekend of crime and violence.

Two men held up the store at around 9.30pm on Sunday with what was believed to be a gun.

They made off with £9,172 and a quantity of cigarettes after threatening a member of staff in the store.

The thieves then drove off in a car that had been parked outside the shop.

Three men were later arrested in connection with the robbery and police are still carrying out their inquiries.

Over the course of the weekend there was a large police presence in the town and overall they made 16 arrests for separate incidents.

During the early hours of Sunday morning three town centre stores were burgled.

Thieves targeted Amanda's Café, Lumley's pet store and Peter Scott Book makers, stealing cash and leaving a trail of destruction.

Co-owner of Amanda's Café Mark Foster said: "We had a small amount of cash taken but most of the damage is to the stock.

"They came in and made a complete mess, they left open the fridges so it is all ruined.

"Then they helped themselves to sandwiches and cakes before leaving.

"I haven't estimated the cost yet but it will cost several hundred to put right.

"It's a shame that a few criminals decide to have a bit of fun and cause so many problems."

In a separate incident the landlady at the Kings Arms, Hilary Timms, was left with a broken nose after confronting drunken youths at the rear of her pub during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police have hailed the weekend an all round success and have praised the quick reactions of officers.

Inspector Mark Levitt said: "While it may seem as though we had a bit of a crime spree what we have actually done is remove some bad people from the streets.

"It was a very busy weekend and we made 16 arrests and it is a testament to good policing that we were able to do that.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information to do with the burglaries on Saturday night through to Sunday morning.

"As for the incident at the Co-op an investigation is still ongoing."

The wave of crime came just three days before a meeting to discuss how to tackle anti social behaviour in the town.

Police and councillors organised the public meeting, which was due to be held at the Kings Arms last night, to try and make the town a safer place to live.

9:04am Thursday 10th April 2008

Print

Email this

Comment