Thieves escape with 20,000 euros from beer warehouse

Using a method of robbery unusual on the island, a gang of thieves entered the warehouse, situated close to the Ciutadella Local Police headquarters, by breaking through the rear wall before making their way to the office and taking the safe. According to the Secretary for the State Administration's Island Office, Javier Bermejo, the thieves escaped with 20,000 euros in cash, plus documents and papers which included bank cheques.

Initial investigations suggest that the robbery was planned, as the telephone lines had been cut before the warehouse was broken in to, thus disconnecting the alarm system. Bermejo explained that they were either dealing with a professional gang or with people who had insider knowledge.

The investigation is now concentrating on security cameras in the area in the hope that they may have captured scenes of the robbery, but police are alsohoping for information from the public. Bermejo stated that the method of entry meant that a number of potential suspects already known to police could be discounted.

During the Fiestas of Sant Joan a large number of people are passing through Menorca's ports and Bermejo does not rule out the possibility that the thieves might have taken advantage of this fact and have already made their escape from the island. He added that it was a big coincidence that the robbery occurred on a night when the police were occupied on other matters.