STAFF at the Dog and Partridge public house in North Stifford were held up at gunpoint and robbed of an estimated £10,000 worth of Christmas takings.
The incident happened at approximately 10.30 am this morning (Wednesday).
The landlord and another staff member were in the car park of the High Road pub with the takings when two men wearing balaclavas, ambushed them.
Investigating officer, Dc Carla Hillyer said: “One of the robbers had what was described as a pistol and he pointed it at the landlord and shouted “Where’s the money?” They then grabbed the cash bag and ran off.”
Two robbers then made off on on foot towards Clockhouse Lane.
One of the robbers was about 5ft 7 to 8in tall, and was wearing a light coloured lightweight zip-up jacket and black balaclava. The other man was about 5ft 10in tall and was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.
Anyone with information should contact Dc Hillyer on the Serious Crime Team at South Ockendon police station on 0300 333 4444.
ONLY SHOCKED!
quote from Gazette Report
A PUB manager has told of his “shock” after a gun was pointed at his face during an armed robbery where £10,000 was stolen.
Andrew Carter, manager of the Dog and Partridge in North Stifford, was getting into his car in the staff car park with assistant manager Richard Wellham, when the pair were ambushed by two balaclava wearing robbers.
One jumped into the back seat of the car with the handgun, pointed it at Mr Carter and shouted “Where’s the money” before taking a cash bag, which was on the back seat.
end quote.
Company proceedure
quote from Thurrock Gazette
Mr Carter, who called the police immediately after the robbery explained he does the pub banking at different times of day and staff always go in pairs following company procedure. end quote.
I bet it wasn’t company policy to put the money bag on the back seat and leave the doors unlocked? how unfortunate.
Oportunist thieves in North Stifford, most people living in the village, could buy the pub outright.