Armed men hold up armoured ‘cash-in-transit’ van in Corroios

An unusual armed robbery, targeting an ESEGUR ‘cash-in-transit’ van, took place this morning in Corroios, Setúbal district.

Two men, using a stolen van, blocked the ESEGUR van’s path, threatening the men inside with a firearm.

The assailants then appear to have grabbed money from two drawers inside the van, and ‘disappeared on foot in an unknown direction’.

PJ police are investigating. According to local reports: “Efforts are now focused on identifying and locating the perpetrators of this crime, which has shaken the tranquillity of Seixal.

!The case stands out because of the criminals’ audacity, having carried out the robbery in broad daylight in a busy area. Local residents are alarmed, while the investigation continues in an attempt to bring those responsible to justice.

“The local impact is reflected in the concern of Seixal residents, who are demanding stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. ESEGUR, for its part, is expected to review its security protocols to ensure the safety and integrity of its services and employees.”

Possibly unrelated is a similar heist which took place five days ago in Celorico do Basto (hundreds of kms away): in this instance, three men, one armed with a shotgun, took the staff of a Prosegur armoured ‘cash-in-transit’ van by surprise, as they prepared to empty a Multibanco machine.

The men, driving a car with false number plates, managed to make off with three sacks of notes (potentially adding up to a lot more than the Corroios losses).

Sources: CNN Portugal/ noticiasaominuto/ Diariodistrito.sapo.com

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.