Appeal following ram raid in Tarbock

We are appealing for information after a ram raid at a shop in Tarbock in the early hours of today (Wednesday 16 August).

A report was received just before 12.25am that a security alarm had been activated at Tesco Express on Cronton Road in Tarbock – which was unoccupied at the time.

It was further reported a grey Ford Fiesta had been reversed into the front of the store, forcing entry, and that a male wearing a blue hoodie had entered.

The store’s anti-theft smoke screen was activated, and the suspects are believed to have left the scene in a blue Vauxhall Crossland.

Both cars are believed to have been stolen vehicles.

It was later established a cash box containing a significant quantity of cash had been stolen during the incident.

Officers attended and the Ford Fiesta, which was found abandoned, has been recovered for forensic examination.

Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: ‘’At this early stage of the investigation we are looking for any information on the movement of both the grey Ford Fiesta and blue Vauxhall Crossland before the incident, and any information on where the Vauxhall was seen afterwards.

“If you saw any suspicious activity in the area at all or have any images, video or dashcam footage taken in the area at the time, please get in touch as any small piece of evidence could be crucial.”

Det Insp Rexwinkel added: “Business burglaries such as this are far from victimless crimes. Shops such as this are staffed by people living locally and provide a vital service to their customers in the community.

“Besides the obvious cost to repair the damage caused, this incident has led to significant disruption for staff and customers as well as causing them understandable concern, and we are determined to identify those responsible and put them before the courts.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 23000758745 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information