Two knife-wielding suspects robbed a Co-op store in east Ipswich on Monday night, marking the third such incident in the town this year.
The big picture: Suffolk police are appealing for witnesses after two suspects, believed to be carrying knives, threatened staff and stole cash and stamps from the Co-op on Ravenswood at 21:20 BST on Monday.
Details of the latest incident:
Two suspects wearing balaclavas entered the store
They were believed to be carrying knives
Cash was stolen from the till, along with a tin containing stamps
The suspects fled towards the Ravenswood estate
Staff were shaken but uninjured
Previous incidents:
20 August: Four masked offenders stole cigarettes, scratch cards, and cash from the East of England Co-operative Foodstore on Clapgate Lane.
25 April: Two men, one reportedly armed with a crowbar and the other with a knife, robbed the Co-op on Clapgate Lane, stealing numerous products, including cigarettes.
What's next: An investigation is underway, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward, quoting crime reference 37/54337/24. They can contact Suffolk Police via:
Email: ccc@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
Phone: 101
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org (100% anonymously)
The bottom line: Although there is no known link between the incidents, the repeated targeting of Co-op stores in Ipswich suggests a concerning pattern. Anyone with information about any of these incidents should contact the police.
