Cigarettes stolen in raid by masked men

Masked men armed with baseball bats raided a Black Country Co-op store, making off with cigarettes and alcohol.

The shop, in Hollyhedge Road, West Bromwich, was targeted as staff were preparing to close for the night.

Raiders are believed to have threatened workers with the baseball bats before fleeing the scene in a black Mitsubishi. No-one was hurt during the incident.

Police investigations were continuing today and forensic examinations have been carried out.

Nearby traders on the parade of shops which is located opposite Pennyhill Primary School, today spoke of their own fears following the raid.

Mrs Pat Capewell, owner of Hairflik, revealed she had been targeted by burglars three years ago.

The 66-year-old said: "We were targeted three years ago. They kicked the back door in and got in and took petty cash.

"They also took RSPCA and air ambulance collection tins. Now I lock my front door and let people in, I feel I have to do that just in case."

Janet Williams, owner of Avalon Health and Beauty Spa, was also broken into in December 2007.

She said: "When we first purchased the property we were robbed just before Christmas. They came in, took some jewellery and money, but it is the damage that they actually do.

"We are quite concerned because the lighting is terrible around here at night."

A spokesman for The Midcounties Co-operative added: "We can confirm there was a robbery at the store and we are assisting police with their inquiries into it.

"Our staff colleagues were shaken but unhurt and have been offered appropriate support."

As a result of Wednesday's robbery which happened just before 10pm, the area's neighbourhood team has stepped up patrols. Anyone with information should call police on 0345 113 5000.