Five arrests over Welshpool security van raid

Five people have been arrested following a late-night raid on a security van outside a Powys supermarket in which a substantial amount of cash was stolen.

Police said the five, from Wolverhampton, were arrested in relation to the "cash-in-transit" robbery which happened outside the Tesco store in Welshpool on Monday night.

They were questioned in Newtown last night, and all five have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Superintendent Huw Meredith, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said it was the second similar incident to happen in the area in five weeks and security arrangements were being reviewed in Mid Wales.

He said: "Dyfed-Powys Police have arrested five people from the Wolverhampton area in relation to the robbery of a G4S security employee at Tesco's Welshpool on Monday.

"This is the second such incident we've had in Mid Wales in five weeks.

"These incidents are, however, thankfully still extremely rare and unusual in our area and we are working closely in conjunction with the security industry and other partners to review current security arrangements.

"If anybody sees anything or anybody suspicious around cash machines, cash deliveries or cash security vans they should contact police immediately using the 999 system," he added.

Detective Inspector Greg Williams, of the Serious and Organised Crime Team, added: "I would ask that if anyone has any information in relation to the incident, which occurred at about 11.40pm at Tesco Welshpool, to get in touch.

Suspicious

"And also, anyone who saw a black S4/A4 Audi coupe (RY54 SZX) or blue Mercedes C180 Kompressor coupe (YE51 YBY) in suspicious circumstances during that day or previous days is urged to please contact the major incident room on 0845 33022000

"The five persons arrested have been interviewed by detectives at Newtown Police Station and have been bailed for further inquiries to continue."

Parts of the superstore were cordoned off as shoppers began arriving on Tuesday morning while police carried out checks, but the shop opened as usual.

Anyone with any information about the incident, which could help police with their investigation is also asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, Mr Williams added.