Crimestoppers offer reward after Suffolk armed robbery

The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £3,000 for information about those responsible for an armed robbery at a shop on Freehold Road, Ipswich, on the evening of 31 January 2012 [6 February 2012].

The incident occurred when two members of staff in the Spar shop were about to close just before 9pm. Six offenders, all believed to be males, entered the shop wearing balaclavas and brandishing knives and other weapons. The group threatened, gagged and bound the members of staff before ransacking the shop with a high level of aggression.

Amongst the items stolen were cash, scratch cards, alcohol and cigarettes. The male and female members of staff present during the ordeal were left extremely shaken by the attack, though not physically hurt.

The offenders are thought to have left the area on foot in the direction of Bloomfield Street after the robbery.

Crimestoppers is offering the reward of up to £3,000 in the hope that it will prompt someone to come forward with information relating to the identity of those responsible for this robbery.

Residents 'concerned'

Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, Ann Scott, said: “This serious crime has caused much concern and fear amongst local residents, fellow shop owners and staff in the community. It is a particularly unusual occurrence in the safe town of Ipswich, which rarely falls victim to armed robberies”.

She continued: “No one has anything to fear by contacting the charity Crimestoppers as you will remain 100% anonymous. We never ask for your name and no personal information is taken. Calls are not traced or recorded and those giving information do not have to give a statement to the Police or go to court. In the 23 years that we have been running Crimestoppers has never revealed anyone’s identity”.

Ann added “We want any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Did you witness any suspicious activity that evening or perhaps someone has confessed to being involved?”

The reward of up to £3,000 is offered to anyone who provides information through the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 number that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this crime. Information given through the secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or directly to the police will not qualify.

-ENDS-

For further information contact Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager, on 07825 445720 or 01255 475954 or ann.scott@crimestoppers-uk.org.

Notes to editors:

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information’ form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
• Around 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every seven days is charged with murder. 
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 100,000 arrests and charges. Over £114 million worth of property has been recovered and over £202 million worth of drugs. 
• In 2005, Crimestoppers launched the UK’s Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 1000 arrests to date from 4,900 thousand appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action’ is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.