Armed robbers target hauliers
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by David Harris • Hauliers are being warned that they could be the targets of a specialist gang of armed robbers after East Anglian haulier Derek Cooper and his wife were attacked last week.
Three armed men burst into their home, handcuffed Mr Cooper to a staircase and drove Mrs Cooper to the haulage office where she was forced to open a safe. Police say she is still in deep shock after the attack at Red Lodge, near Mildenhall.
Detectives believe hauliers may be the target of a gang with specialist knowledge of the industry because the attack is similar to another at a haulier's home in Newmarket in January.
In that incident Dave Webb's wife Jane was handcuffed to the staircase at her home before the gang fled with jewellery worth £90,000.
Police say that the Red Lodge and Newmarket raids are similar enough to be connected.
The Coopers' ordeal began at 6.45pm last Thursday when a man burst into the kitchen. Mrs Cooper was taken to the haulage office to open the safe before the gang returned her to the house, tied her up with her husband, and made their getaway. Mr Cooper was eventually able to dial 999 with his nose after Mrs Cooper pulled the telephone cable towards the couple with her teeth.
Anyone with information should phone the police on 01284 774100.