Detectives vow to catch robbers (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

'Police on trail of shop robbers

11:20am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

A SPATE of terrifying shop robberies in Widnes has left staff traumatised.

Five incidents, including several involving knives, have occurred within 20 days across the town.

Detectives suspect some of the incidents may be linked and have made arrests.

They are now scrutinising CCTV footage and are confident all the offenders will be caught.

DI Simon Blackwell said: ”It appears that convenience stores are being targetted. We were onto it like a shot.

“We have charged some individuals and are making some good breakthroughs.

“We have focussed a lot of resources and time on this.

“If anyone commits a robbery with violence, we won’t leave any stone unturned to get them. A team of detectives is working on this. “We are confident we will be making more arrests soon.”

A robber wielding a knife threatened staff at a newsagents in Lower Appleton Road on December 8 One man has been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

Thieves brandishing a knife threatened customers at St Bede’s Social Club on December 19, before stealing the contents of the till.

Two men have been arrested and bailed.

A gang held a Royal Mail delivery driver hostage as they tried to rob his post van at the post office in Albert Road on December 20.

A robber burst into a the M ‘n’ S Late Shop in Derby Road and threatened staff with a padlock and chain on December 23, before stealing a quantity of cash.

Masked robbers stole cigarettes from Bargain beers in Derby Road after threatening a female shop assistant on December 28. Two men have been arrested and bailed.

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101.