DETECTIVES are linking three robberies which happened in three days, it was revealed today.
Officers think a robbery at a KFC restaurant in Preston is connected to two robberies at BetFred shops in Leyland and Longridge.
Investigators from Leyland and Longridge had already linked the two BetFred robberies but are now understood to be working with officers in Preston who are still probing a robbery at KFC at Portway, Preston Docks in which a worker was punched.
In particular they want to trace a black Vectra car.
Det Insp Jo Edwards, of Preston CID, said: “our inquiries are ongoing in relation to three offences across Lancashire in three days.
“we are keen to trace a black Vectra that was seen in suspicious circustances around the times of the robberies.
“Our neighbourhood teams are giving reassurance to the affected premises and to other potentially vulnerable premises.”
In the first robbery, at 9.15pm on Friday September 21, two men entered the Betfred shop on Leyland Road at Lostock Hall and demanded money, while a third man stood guard at the door.
At one point they jumped over the counter.
Then on Sunday a man who works at KFC at Preston Docks was pucnhed when three men burst in at 9.10pm.
They escaped with one of the tills, driving away in a dark saloon car
Three days later, at around 8.30pm on Monday three men wearing balaclavas, one of whom was carrying what appeared to be a spanner, entered the Bet Fred bookmakers on Berry Lane, Longridge and threatened a woman who worked there. Again, the offenders jumped over the counter.
It is believed the men left the scene in a black or dark blue Vauxhall Vectra and drove away in the direction of Preston.
Witnesses should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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