Two men violently robbed an Oxford supermarket last Friday
night, escaping with a five-figure sum. The robbery occurred at approximately 10.30pm at the Coop on
Banbury Road, when the men bound up three workers with tape and
brandished a weapon, thought to be a shotgun. They also sprayed
pepper spray into the eyes of one male member of staff who had to
be treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital. A 29-strong team of armed officers and dog handlers were
immediately dispatched to the area after police were notified.
Detective Parsons of Oxford CID described the two thieves as
white males, both of a muscular build and dressed smartly,
wearing clothes “similar to that of night club
doormen”. One man, about 40, was of a very large build,
taller than 6ft, and bald. The other, about 30, was smaller.
Parsons told Cherwell, “One of the men was wearing
sunglasses, which might have stood out, considering it was night
time.” He also believes that one of the men may have smelt
pungently after his escape as the pepper spray would have hung on
his clothes for some time. A co-op spokesman said, “this was a very upsetting and
shocking incident for our staff.” Staff at the Co-op said
they had been told not to discuss the robbery. Anyone with
information should call 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800
555111.ARCHIVE: 4th week TT 2004
Shotgun hold-up at Co-op
