Car agent employees held up in Zebbug

About Lm5,000 cash and an undisclosed amount in cheques were stolen in a hold-up on two employees who were about to deposit money in a bank in Zebbug yesterday morning.

As the employees of Toyota importer Michael Debono Ltd were driving down Gate Avenue on the way to the bank, at about 10.30 am., a Peugeot Partner van crossed into the main road, blocking their path. The employees stopped suddenly to avoid a collision and two hooded men, one of them armed with a shotgun, emerged from the van and demanded the money.

The theft took place in full view of passers-by but the whole incident lasted under 30 seconds.

The van used by the thieves had been reported stolen about a week ago and was later found near the football ground, a mere two corners away from where the hold-up took place. The thieves are believed to have left the scene in another stolen car.

Duty Magistrate Anton Vella appointed a number of experts to assist in the inquiry.

CID inspector Jeffrey Cilia and the district police are investigating.