Police renew appeal over "appalling" Smallfield robbery (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Police renew appeal over "appalling" Smallfield robbery

1:34pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in Local News

Detectives are renewing an appeal for help in tracking down robbers whose raid on an elderly woman's home sent “shockwaves” through Smallfield.

Officers are again calling for people with information about the robbery on April 24, which the Force described as “an appalling incident,” to call them.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Portia Andrews said the renewed appeal was being made in the hope that friends of the three men who barged their way into the 80-year-old's home, might have changed their feelings about them in the months since.

The robbery happened while the woman was alone in her home in Wheelers Lane, Smallfield, on Tuesday, April 24, between 2.15pm and 2.30pm.

The gang forced their way through the front door and demanded money from the pensioner.

The woman was shocked and very upset as the men grabbed a small amount of cash and then fled.

Police said she was not hurt but was left very shaken.

Detectives believe the men fled on foot, heading in the direction of the shops, and said there probably would have been a lot of people in the area around the time of the incident.

The men were described as all white, aged in their early 20s, with one around 6ft tall with dark hair, well-built and wearing dark clothing, while his two accomplices were of small build and had fair hair.

A Surrey Police spokesman said two men were later arrested in connection with the incident, but have since been released with no further action being taken against them.

Det Con Andrews said: "This was an appalling incident which sent shock-waves through the Smallfield community at the time it took place.”

She said: "I am making this appeal now in the hope that in the time which has passed since the robbery, someone somewhere has heard something which may be the break-through officers are looking for to bring the offenders to justice.

"The relationship between the offenders and their friends may have changed since the offence took place, and they may wish to now come forward with information on who was responsible for this appalling act.

"Anyone with information on the robbery, no matter how small, and who has not yet spoken to Surrey Police, is urged to contact officers.”

Anyone with information should call officers on 101, quoting reference TD/12/1821, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111