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Harrogate: Robbers strike twice in seven minutes
Hooded robbers struck at two businesses within seven minutes.
Police believe the same gang is behind both raids, which happened in Harrogate on Tuesday night.
The pair made off with large hauls of cash and threatened workers with a screwdriver.
Several people have already been questioned about the double-crime but police enquires remained ongoing today.
The first robbery was at 9.18pm when two men entered the William Hill bookmakers on Leeds Road. and threatened staff with a screwdriver.
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The pair stole cash before making off towards Hookstone Road.
The second robbery happened just minutes later, at about 9.25pm, at the Total Garage also on Leeds Road.
A grey Ford Mondeo pulled up on the forecourt of the building next door and two men entered the shop.
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They again threatened the assistant with a screwdriver before stealing cash from the till. They then made their getaway in the same car.
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Detective Inspector Mark Pearson, of Harrogate CID, said: "The investigation into these robberies is still at a very early stage and I believe that not everyone who witnessed either incident has yet come forward.
"This is probably because they are unaware that they may hold vital information.
"I would urge anyone who saw anything unusual or suspicious, even if it seems trivial, to come forward."
He confirmed both robberies were being linked.
The police appeal follows the arrest of five people from the Bradford area in connection with the attacks.
Three man aged 43, 23 and 20 and two women aged 20 and 44 have all been questioned and released on police bail while investigations continue.
In both robberies the two men were white, and both were wearing hooded tops which covered their faces.
Witnesses, people who may know the identities of the two men or recognise the getaway car are urged to contact Harrogate CID on 0845 6060247 quoting reference number 12100033104.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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