Original Article


GANG TRIES TO RUN DOWN GUARD

BEN STEWARD

12:00 - 11 December 2003

A gang of ruthless raiders tried to run down a security guard as he chased them out of a city store yesterday.

The would-be shoplifters were escaping from Sainsbury's at Pinhoe with a trolley-load of goods when they were spotted by the security officer.



And, as he tried to stop one running off, another drove straight at him in the getaway car.

Police are today hunting the gang, who are believed to have hit a number of other stores earlier this month.

All the attacks happen at the same time, between 5pm and 6pm, and the thieves use the same car - a white Rover 213. They have already struck at the same Sainbury's, the Co-op on Prince Charles Road and Somerfield in Exeter Road, Cullompton.

Police are advising anyone who sees the gang to stay out of the way as they drive in an extremely dangerous way.

"The fact that these men were prepared to run people down for the sake of some groceries shows how ruthless they are." said PC Roy Adams. "It is particularly worrying as shop car parks are so full at the moment with families doing their Christmas shopping."

In the latest incident the security guard spotted the raider just before 6pm as he made for the door of the Pinhoe store. When he approached, the man ran off and he gave chase with another colleague.

As they were running down the road near the traffic lights, outside the car park entrance, one of the security men heard the screech of tyres approaching from behind.

He just managed to jump out of the way and narrowly missed being hit by the car, which was being driven by an accomplice. The escaping raider jumped into the car, which then sped off.

Police are treating the incident as serious as they believe the men could be part of a gang operating all over the South West.

PC Roy Adams said: "There have been a number of similar 'trolley raids' throughout the area in recent weeks.

"We are also connecting this incident to another trolley push a month ago at a supermarket in Cullompton.

"In that case a white Rover 213 with the registration G70 KYA was used as the getaway car, and we think this was the car used yesterday.

"One of the men is described as being white, in his mid-30s with dark hair.

"He was wearing a black jumper with white stripes across the chest.

"We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forwards as we would like more information about the car or the two offenders.

"If anyone saw the guard jumping out of the way of the car, or caught a glimpse of the men, they should call 0800 555111."