Armed Robbery at a Bank in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan on the 11/5/12

On Friday the 11th of May 2012 just before 5pm, two masked and armed men ran from a white Citroen Berlingo van and forced the front door of the bank. Both raiders were armed with handguns. They threatened the staff and demanded money. They filled a bag with money and fled. The raiders set the Berlingo van on fire as they were fleeing the scene. They made their getaway in a Blue BMW 330D bearing false registration plates. They turned from Main Street on to Rocks road and transferred into another vehicle, a black BMW M5 on Dun a Ri Lane. The raiders set the 330D BMW alight in the middle of the road.

The raiders caused extensive damage as the fire from the Berlingo van spread to a number of other vehicles parked on the main street causing extensive damage and chaos on the street.

Appeal:

• The Thursday night before this raid at around midnight, the raiders parked the blue BMW 330D in front of the bank for the night. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Kingscourt area at this time to come forward. This car was stolen during an aggravated burglary in Belfast in February 2012. The correct registration of this vehicle is ONZ4837.

• The Citroen Berlingo van was sold for scrap metal during October/November 2011. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have seen this vehicle between these dates.

• A raider arrived at the scene in Kingscourt on a Black/Grey Suzuki motorbike. The raider appeared to have difficulty controlling the bike and left it at the scene. Gardaí are appealing for information on the movements of this vehicle in the days and weeks prior to this incident.

• Several vehicles were involved in this raid, most vehicles were bearing false registration plates. Gardaí would like to speak to anyone who was asked to make these false plates or may have information on the movements of these vehicles.

• There was at least six raiders involved in this armed robbery all of whom had total disregard for the safety of the community. Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to come forward.