Thieves fail in attempt to steal cash box at village pub

The daylight raid took place at The Rugby Tavern car park in Rugby Road on Monday at about 4.45pm.

Having made the collection a security guard returned to his van and was approached by a man who tried to grab the cash box he was carrying but the offender failed in his attempt and got into the front passenger seat of a VW golf parked nearby.

If opened, the box would have released a red dye rendering the cash immediately identifiable as stolen and worthless to the thieves.

The car was left in Stonehouse Close, about half a mile away, and set on fire.

Police are appealing to witnesses who either saw the incident or the occupants of the VW Golf, which had been parked outside the row of shops opposite the pub before being driven into the car park.

Officers believe the car and its occupants were in the area earlier in the day.

The man who tried to grab the box is described as white, tall and stocky and was wearing a grey hoodie.

The driver was also a white man whose face was covered with a hood or scarf.

Sightings of the two men could also have been made in Stonehouse Close at about 5pm, when it is believed the car was abandoned.

The fire was reported at about 8pm on Monday, which suggests the men or an accomplice may have returned to the vehicle to set it alight.

Witnesses can call Det Insp Liam Barry on 415000, extension 4075, voicemail 10602 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.