Bilston shop driven into by thieves for second time offers reward in bid to track down suspects
The shop was damaged and items were stolen from inside.
A Bilston shop, which has once again become a target for thieves, have appealed for information to track down the culprits.
Police were called at around 9.30am yesterday (November 11) after a vehicle was driven into Cash Shop on Church Street, Bilston.
The shop was damaged and items were stolen from inside. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
However, this incident is not the first time the business has been targeted and in a bid to put a stop to it, the store is offering a cash reward for anyone with information leading to a conviction.
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A spokesperson for Cash Shop said: "This is the second time in just over a year our store has been targeted in this way and we are very eager to tackle things like this happening.
"We are very lucky to be part of the community here in Bilston and while we are no small-fry being a 10-store operation, we are by no means a huge national chain either. Stock can be replaced but the business will be set back months by this.
"Our staff have been through this twice. They put it behind them the first time but it will be harder to do that again.
"The people doing this have no regard for the safety of others when they are doing this. A member of the public was almost hit during the first incident and on this occasion a member of staff was in the window when they spotted the car coming and managed to get out of the way. Someone could have been seriously hurt.
"We are happy to pay £1,000 for information that leads to a conviction and would encourage any one with any information to get in touch with us on social media, by phone or visit the store. It can also be given anonymously."
Staff at the store say they have been urging the council to put bollards around the pedestrianised area to prevent incidents like this from happening again.
Labour Councillor Leigh New for Bilston North has supported the need for more to be done to protect businesses in the area, following the break-in. In a post on social media, Cllr New wrote: “I’m sorry that the Cash Shop (Converters) was broken into again today.
“The danger to the public is concerning, please be assured that work is underway to prevent this from happening again. This behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Our safety of our community & local businesses is important and we will do everything in our power to find out who is responsible for this incident. With security around the town to be reviewed, so it is safer for everyone to visit.”
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: “It’s understood that three suspects escaped, and we are carrying out thorough enquiries to find them and the vehicle involved.
“This includes analysing CCTV and videos on social media, and we would urge anyone with footage who hasn't yet spoken to us to please get in touch.
“If you have information that could help our enquiries, call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website quoting 20/467761/26.
“You can stay completely anonymous by speaking to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.