ROBBERS were foiled in an attempted early morning raid at Abbey bank in Weyhill last Friday. A guard rammed his security van into the back of the getaway car as a robber was inside the bank threatening another guard. A security van was making a delivery to the Haslemere bank's cashpoint machine when a red VW Golf pulled up outside. The front seat passenger got out and used a sledgehammer to smash the main door and gain entry to the bank. He then threatened one of the security guards, who was in the bank and demanded he handed over keys to the security boxes. But while this was happening another security guard, who was outside, drove his van into the back of the Golf and the driver sped off. Realising the getaway car had driven off, the robber inside the bank ran out. The Golf turned around at the top of the hill, possibly Lion Lane, and drove back towards the scene. The first raider ran around the car and jumped into the passenger seat while it was still moving – the Golf then sped towards Haslemere town centre. No money was taken but around £1,500 of damage was caused to the front of the bank. West Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses who saw anything suspicious or the red Volkswagen Golf, registration YP55 ZWX. Detective Constable Lee Hazell said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident or noticed the VW Golf being driven in a suspicious manner around the time of the incident. "Although nothing was taken on this occasion, Surrey Police takes all reports of robbery very seriously and we would encourage anyone with information to contact us so that we can find those responsible and bring them to justice." "We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the Weyhill area in the week leading up to the robbery as the offenders may have visited the area on previous days prior to this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call 0845 125 2222, quoting reference WV/08/1766. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555111.
