Shop worker hides to safety as armed robbers raid Wistaston off-licence

Three men armed with baseball bats raided an off-licence in Wistaston, Cheshire East, stealing cash, cigarettes and alcohol.

The incident happened at Bargain Booze on Kings Drive at around 7.30pm on 4 February.

The shop worker, who saw the men entering the store on CCTV, immediately contacted police and waited in the back of the store.

“While the shop worker was in the store room at the time of this incident and did not sustain any injuries, he has been left shaken up as a result of his ordeal,” said Detective Sergeant Steven Smith of Cheshire Constabulary.

The men were all dressed in dark clothing with their hoods up and wearing balaclavas. One of them was carrying a JD Sports carrier bag.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage in connection with the incident.

“As part of the investigation into the incident I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time it occurred and believes they may have witnessed something that may be relevant to our enquiries,” Smith said.

“I also want to hear from motorists with dashcams who were driving on Church Lane or Kings Drive between 7.15pm and 7.45pm.”

The incident is the fourth robbery of a similar nature in Crewe in recent weeks. Police said they understand the concern in the community and are committed to nab the culprits.

“I would like to reassure residents that there is a lot of work taking place in relation to these incidents and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the people responsible,” Detective Inspector Claire Jesson said.

“At the current time we are keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents are linked.”

Anyone with any information or dashcam footage that may aid detectives with their investigation is urged to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 628956, or give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.