Knife-wielding robbers threaten staff and steal cash in third Ipswich Co-op raid 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:

• Website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

• 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.