Police ask for help to catch Haslingden robbers

Date published: 08 November 2008

DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a robbery at a betting shop in Haslingden.

At about 9.10pm last Friday night (7th), three offenders wearing clothing that obscured their faces entered the Ladbrokes betting shop in Manchester Road, Haslingden.

Two of the offenders jumped over the counter and threatened two female staff, while the third remained at the doorway acting as a ‘lookout’. Staff were threatened during the incident and two of the offenders have been described as holding either bars or sticks. The mention of a “machete” was also made during the incident.

The offenders stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the premises and were seen to run from the premises onto a side alleyway which leads towards Pleasant Street and Dale Street.

Staff and customers were not injured during the robbery but left badly shaken.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in Haslingden Town Centre at about 9pm last night who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Ben Hodgkinson, from Rossendale CID, said: “This was a very frightening incident for both the female staff and customers alike.

“The people involved were prepared to use weapons and it is only good luck that no-one was hurt.

“I appeal for anyone who witnessed the offence or saw anything suspicious to get in touch with police.

“Thankfully incidents of this type are rare but I remind people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.”

Anyone with information should contact Rossendale CID on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.