Takings stolen as Wem grocer is robbed in street
Detectives in Shropshire have appealed for information after a woman leaving work with the business's takings was robbed in Wem.
The victim had just locked up Dedman's grocers in Shrubbery Gardens and was walking to her car at about 11.35pm on Wednesday 2nd January 2013 when she felt a tug on the arm carrying the money in a blue shopping basket.
The offender and victim then struggled over the basket and she fell to the floor, before the handle broke and he made off down the road.
Police were called and a search of the area carried out but the man was not found. However, three packets of cigarettes believed to have also been in the basket were found discarded near the scene.
Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, who is overseeing the investigation, said an earlier report had been made to police of a man acting suspiciously and seemingly ‘hanging around' the shop late on New Year's Eve.
"A search was carried out that night too but nobody found in the area. It is possible that this earlier incident is linked to the robbery," he said.
"The offender was white, described as in his 20s and ‘youthful', about 5ft in height and with a slim build. He was wearing a black hooded top with a zip and the hood up and possibly jeans.
"If anyone saw someone matching this description in the area or anyone else acting suspiciously in the days previously, please can they contact police on 101.
"I am also keen to hear from anyone who might find a discarded blue shopping basket with a broken handle anywhere in the town. As well as the shop takings, it also contained various invoices and about 50 books of postage stamps."
The victim was not injured in the incident but was left shaken.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where the call takers do not even ask for your name.
