Thieves make off with more than £20,000 in armed bank robbery

Masked men threatened workers with a weapon and made off with more than £20,000 in cash during a bank robbery in East Dunbartonshire.

The incident happened at about 6.05pm on Monday at the Santander Bank in Cowgate, Kirkintilloch.

Two G4S security guards were carrying out cash in transit duties when three men forced their way into the bank and threatened them with what appeared to be a firearm.

The suspects stole a cassette containing a “five-figure sum of cash” before leaving the bank and making their way down a lane nearby.

A black VW Golf the suspects are understood to have fled in was found burnt-out in Glenburn Gardens, Bishopbriggs, at about 9.10pm.

No-one was injured in the incident.

Detective Inspector Alasdair Barlow said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact us, perhaps you noticed the suspects either prior to or just after.

“We understand the suspects got into a black VW Golf which was then driven erratically and recklessly along Glasgow Road.

“I'm sure this is something other motorists and members of the public will have noticed.

“If you have any information or if you have any dash cam footage, which perhaps captured the car, please do contact us.”

The men are described as white with local accents, wearing dark-coloured clothing and tried to shield their faces with balaclavas.

They were also wearing dark-coloured shoes and gloves.

Police Scotland is conducting extensive enquiries in the area and reviewing CCTV footage for more information on the suspects.

Officers are checking reports that a man, wearing grey clothing, was near to the car before it was set on fire.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers at the community investigation unit at Govan police station or officers at Kirkintilloch CID via 101 and quote reference number 2981 of May 22.

People can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given anonymously.

Duncan Watson, area risk consultant for G4S Cash Solutions, said: “On Monday, one of our cash crews was the victim of a brazen attack during a routine service on Cowgate, Kirkintilloch.

“Fortunately, our colleagues have not suffered any serious injuries but understandably have been shaken by the attack.

“We are working closely with Police Scotland and I would urge anyone who may have been nearby and seen this attack to get in touch with the police or dial 101 so that those behind it can be brought to justice.”