More details revealed on Astaphans Fond Cole robbery

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has revealed more details on the robbery that occurred at the J Astaphan and Company Ltd. Hardware in Fond Cole Friday night, and they say investigations are ongoing.

According to the Police, at about 5:30 Friday afternoon, a report was received by telephone from an unknown individual, stating that a Robbery was in progress at the Hardware Store in Fond Cole.

The person indicated that 3 staff members were being held hostage.

The building was searched by the Police and staff were safely extracted. Police say a thorough search of the building for the suspects proved futile.

According to information from the Operations Manager, while counting cash from the day’s sale, three masked individuals entered the office located on the second floor.

One was armed with what appeared to be a rifle, one with a pistol and the other with a cutlass. Upon entering the office they pointed the firearms at the three staff members and ordered them to lie on the floor to which they complied.

The individuals took an unspecified amount of cash, descended from the office and escaped by passing through the fence of the compound which they had breached.

Earlier, police urged the public to assist police efforts in apprehending the three individuals.