Armed robber threatened garage staff at ‘gunpoint’

Police cordoned off the Esso garage on Kingshill after an armed robbery late on Easter Sunday.

In an appeal for witnesses, Swindon CID's Det Insp Chris Feerick said:  "This was an extremely frightening experience for the member of staff. Fortunately they were unharmed but were very shaken by the incident.

"We would like to speak to anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in this area around this time [10pm]. 

Swindon Advertiser:

A cordon around the garage on Monday Picture: ADVER

"Perhaps you saw a male dressed all in black who looked out of place?

"We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a car who dropped off a male passenger who then attended the petrol station shop just before the robbery.  The vehicle drove off in the same direction from where the suspect arrived and it's possible the driver may have seen the offender walking towards the Esso garage. 

"We'd also like to speak to anyone living in the area who may have CCTV on their property or anyone driving through the area last night who may have dash cam footage of the incident or offender.  Please contact us if that is you.”

You can read more here.

Woman ‘stole cosmetics’ from Boots

Swindon Advertiser:

The woman police want to speak to in connection with the theft Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Police want to speak to this woman after £230-worth of makeup and beauty products were stolen from the Greenbridge retail park Boots on March 27.

You can read the original story here.

‘Serious assault’ prompts dashcam appeal

On Wednesday, police issued an urgent appeal for dashcam footage after what detectives only called a “serious assault” committed on Saturday, March 20. The force is yet to give any detail on the nature or location of the assault.

They asked for any drivers with dashcam footage between 1pm and 2pm in Westfield Way, Akers Way, Moredon Golf Course, Thamesdown Drive, Oakhurst Way into Tadpole Village focusing on Greene Street, Trellis Street, Pearson Road and William Morris Way.

Det Con Mel Neal said: “Please think carefully, if you were driving around Swindon on this day, you may have recorded some vital footage which could prove valuable to our investigation. Any footage, however insignificant it may seem, could be helpful to us. If you can help, we would like to hear from you as a matter of urgency.

"I would also add that we want to reassure the public that we believe this assault was an isolated incident and there are no immediate concerns to the public."

Footage should be emailed to Melonie.Neal@wiltshire.police.uk. The officer can be contacted on 07471029140.

Read more about the appeal here.

Have you seen this man?

Swindon Advertiser:

Charles Andrew Sheehan Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Officers were looking for Charles Sheehan on April 6. The 42-year-old was wanted on recall to prison.

A Wiltshire Police spokeswoman said: “If you see Sheehan, please do not approach him but make a note of what he is wearing and his direction of travel, and call 999.”

Want to know more? Read the original story here.

Thefts from cars – have you been hit?

A spike in thefts from cars parked at beauty spots Knapp Hill, Martinsell Hill and in the Pewsey Downs prompted a warning from police.

PC Emily Grigor said: “We know that as lockdown eases many people will be venturing out to our countryside and beauty spots to meet with friends or go for walks.

“Nobody wants their day out ruined by a thief gaining access to their vehicle and stealing valuables.

“There are basic steps you can take to help protect your car and belongings, so please be vigilant, and always report suspicious activity to us, either via our website or by calling 101.”

You can read more on the Wiltshire Times site.