Retailers asked to contact police if see cash covered in green dye - PSNI confirm security measure to mark money in stolen cashbox did explode

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery of a cash in transit delivery vehicle on Academy Street in Belfast City Centre this morning, Tuesday 10 March.
By Gemma Murray
Published 10th Mar 2020, 16:35 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2020, 17:04 BST
Pacemaker Press Belfast 10-03-2020: Police are investigate a report of an armed robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Belfast city centre. The Academy Street and Exchange Street areas have been cordoned off on Tuesday morning, while officers hold the scene. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker.Pacemaker Press Belfast 10-03-2020: Police are investigate a report of an armed robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Belfast city centre. The Academy Street and Exchange Street areas have been cordoned off on Tuesday morning, while officers hold the scene. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker.
Pacemaker Press Belfast 10-03-2020: Police are investigate a report of an armed robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Belfast city centre. The Academy Street and Exchange Street areas have been cordoned off on Tuesday morning, while officers hold the scene. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker.

Around 7.50am, a man armed with a black handgun, threatened a cash in transit employee to hand over a cash box.

READ: City centre streets closed after armed robbery of cash-in-transit van

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The man made off with the cash box which contained a sum of cash in a grey/silver coloured, older Renault Megan Scenic car that was driven by an accomplice.

The man was wearing a dark coloured balaclava, a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves, grey bottoms and is described as being approximately 5ft 7ins tall.

The car was discovered on fire by police in Roumania Rise a short time later.

Police also recovered a damaged, empty cash in transit box a short distance away.

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Detective Sergeant O’Flaherty said: “While I would like to thank those people who have come forward with information already, this robbery happened as rush hour got underway, so I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area of Academy Street, Exchange Street, or the car being abandoned and set alight on Roumania Rise this morning to call detectives on 101 quoting reference number 185 of 10 March 2020.

“I would also be keen for drivers with dashcams who were in the area this morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help”.

Det Sgt O’Flaherty added: “While we are not confirming the amount of money that was stolen, a green die pack fitted as part of the security measures in the cash box did explode, so I would also ask people and in particular retailers to contact us if they encounter anyone attempting to use banknotes covered in green dye”.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”