Security guard robbed in machete and baseball bat attack

A security guard had a machete held to his throat and was attacked with baseball bats at a cash and carry store in Middleton. 

The guard, 43, was targeted by robbers when he was picking up cash from Booker Cash and Carry on the Stakehill Industrial Estate at about 5pm on Wednesday 16 June 2010.

As he was collecting money through the cashier’s hatch, a man dressed in a skeleton mask grabbed him and held the machete to his throat while demanding cash.

Two other men clad in balaclavas then appeared and one attacked him with a baseball bat while the other grabbed bags of money.

These two men then tried to smash their way into the cash and carry itself by attacking a glass door with a sledgehammer but they could not break it.

When this failed, the three men got into a waiting silver Chrysler with the cash bags and drove off. This was found a few minutes later on fire elsewhere on the industrial estate.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the robbery to come forward.

Detective Constable Deborah Jameson, of Rochdale CID, said: "The men we are looking for are clearly dangerous, violent and calculating. Not only does the security guard deserve to see these men sent down for a very long time by a judge, but it is also very important that we find them before they try and strike again.

"I am appealing to the public to help us find these robbers and put them away for a long time.

"In particular, I want to hear from anyone who might have seen the men abandoning the silver Chrysler and jumping into another car. Perhaps you saw a car being driven erratically or at high speed at about the time of this robbery.

"I am also asking for anyone who might know whose these men are to call me. If you do have information or if you hear some idle gossip, do not disregard it as it could be a crucial piece of evidence of us. Please call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4621 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.