POLICE are currently appealing for witnesses after an early morning smash-and-grab raid on a Farnham bank last week that saw two thieves in balaclavas make off with cash from ATM machines. The suspects pulled up outside the Abbey National in The Borough in a dark car with sports alloys believed to be a Volkswagen Golf between 1am and 1.30am last Thursday before breaking a window and threatening security staff. The pair were armed with "a heavy metal object" and a baseball bat, timing their heist to coincide with the cash machines being replenished within the bank. The robbers, who were both wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, threatened the staff and demanded that they hand over the cash. After leaving the branch with a quantity of £10 and £20 notes, the offenders drove off the wrong way along The Borough and turned right into Castle Street. The man with the baseball bat is described as white, around six feet tall and of a stocky build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a dark waist-length jacket, blue jeans and trainers. His accomplice, who smashed the window, is also white, six feet tall, of stocky build and wearing a balaclava and dark clothing. Investigating officer Dc James West said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed a dark Volkswagen Golf or similar being driven in a suspicious manner around the time of the incident." He went on to say that police are currently trying to track down the driver of a vehicle which was seen to mount the kerb in The Borough in order to pass the suspects' car while it was parked outside the Abbey National. "We would urge this driver to come forward, as you may be able to help us with our investigation. Surrey Police takes all reports of robbery very seriously and we would encourage anyone with information relating to this offence to contact us so that we can find those responsible and bring them to justice." Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 1252222, quoting reference WV/08/821. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555111.
