| Police are hunting raiders who snatched what’s described as a five-figure sum of money from a Brinks security van while it was making a delivery to a bank in Clerk Street, Brechin.
But the would-be robbers were forced to abandon the cash when the alarmed money box released red dye.
The raid took place at 9.10 last night. Police are seeking two men, one described as being about 25, 5ft 10, medium build and wearing dark clothing.
The other was about the same age, 6ft, medium build, and wearing dark clothing and a woollen hat.
Seized container
The two men seized the metal container from one of the security guards and made off down Lindsay Lane into Market Street. But the money box then activated, releasing the red security dye, forcing the men to discard it.
After dumping the box on the roadway, they were seen to get into the Renault Scenic in Market Street, the driver possibly being another male.
The money was recovered, and no one was injured.
The Renault was found a short time later, abandoned in Church Street, at its junction with Castle Street. The occupants were seen to enter a silver Volkswagen Passat and drive off towards the A90 Forfar/Aberdeen road.
Door-to-door inquiries were being carried out as police search teams continued to examine the area around the Bank of Scotland.
The area remained under tight security to avoid disturbance of evidence that could prove crucial.
Specially trained police search teams were also conducting an inch-by-inch examination of Lindsay Lane.
The silver Renault Scenic was also being forensically examined.
Detective Inspector Gordon Cryle, who is co-ordinating the police activity, said statements from a number of witnesses in the area at the time of the heist had given police some strong leads to follow.
But he appealed for more people to come forward.
“At the time of the evening, there would have been a fair number of pedestrians in the town centre,” said DI Cryle.
“If anybody has any information at all, no matter how trivial they think it is, to come forward.
“We are talking about a substantial amount of money.
“We are already following up a number of lines of inquiry, from speaking to a number of witnesses who have come forward. But there must be others who may have seen something suspicious.”
Anyone with information should contact HQ at Forfar 01307 302200 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. |
