A shop worker has described the terrifying moment a robber nearly reversed into her as a BMW smashed through the storefront of the Cash Shop on Church Street in Bilston during a ram-raid robbery on Wednesday morning. According to BBC News, the incident occurred at around 09:30 GMT, with video footage capturing a group of men stuffing items into an orange bag before the vehicle fled the scene. Three suspects escaped and no injuries were reported, though the shop sustained significant damage and stock was stolen.
Summer Evans, a customer service representative, was restocking shelves and placing gold items in the window when the vehicle burst through. She described her immediate reaction to the approaching car.
I turned around to grab some earrings and as soon as I looked back at the window, there was a BMW reversing at me. I dashed as quickly as I could. I heard the loudest crash, I grabbed the phone, ran upstairs to my colleague, called the police, it was quite scary. If you look back at it on the camera, you can see I'm running away, the shelf caved in behind me.
Evans told the BBC that the experience left staff shaken.
We're all a little bit shaken up. It was really scary, we're all a little bit on edge today being back,she said.
According to BirminghamLive, footage showed one suspect apparently striking the window with a sledgehammer before the vehicle reversed through the storefront. A separate clip reportedly showed a bystander kicking the BMW's bumper as it drove away. West Midlands Police said officers are reviewing CCTV and social-media footage to identify the suspects and vehicle, with the incident reference given as 20/467761/26.
Second targeted attack on same business
This marks the second time in just over a year that the pawnbroking and gold-buying store has been targeted in the same manner. Managing director Gosia Powroznik expressed both relief and frustration at the recurring threat to staff safety.
We are incredibly relieved that nobody was injured but we cannot keep relying on luck. Nobody should have to come to work fearing that a vehicle could be driven into their workplace. Stock can be replaced and damage repaired but the impact on people takes much longer to overcome.
Powroznik noted that during the first attack, a passerby was nearly struck by a getaway vehicle. The store has now offered a £1,000 reward for information that could lead to a conviction.
The business has been urging the local council to install protective bollards around the pedestrianised area to prevent future incidents.
These incidents have shown just how vulnerable staff and pedestrians are, and we need practical measures to protect everyone who works in and visits the town centre,Powroznik said.
Calls for improved town-centre security
Other business owners in Bilston have joined calls for enhanced security measures. Kevin Evans, who runs Dixon Family Butchers in Coseley, expressed frustration with the pattern of crime affecting the area.
I'm getting a bit annoyed with all the break-ins that are going on in Bilston. This town should have been pedestrianised years ago. The same shop has been targeted again, it's getting beyond a joke now. The council have just had £20m in Pride in Place money and instead of wasting it on carnivals they need to put security in the town and get it done properly - enough is enough.
A spokesperson for the City of Wolverhampton Council acknowledged the severity of the situation and outlined steps being taken to address security concerns. The authority stated it was
deeply concernedabout the incident and
understands the impact events such as this have on local businesses, residents and the wider community.
The council confirmed it is already working closely with West Midlands Police to inspect, survey and identify measures that will strengthen security within the town centre.
Bilston's Pride in Place Board has outlined significant funding to improve safety and the wider town environment. The council is also looking at potential short-term measures to assist while plans are put in place for wider public realm improvements.
According to the Express and Star, Bilston councillor New said work was underway to prevent a repeat and that town-centre security would be reviewed. The local authority remains
committed to creating a town centre that is safeand has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police.
Police investigation and next steps
West Midlands Police are continuing their enquiries, with officers analysing CCTV footage and social-media videos to identify the suspects and the vehicle used in the robbery. Members of the public can contact police on 101, quoting incident reference 20/467761/26, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Key Facts:
- The ram-raid occurred at the Cash Shop on Church Street in Bilston at approximately 09:30 GMT on Wednesday
- This is the second time the same store has been targeted by ram-raid robbers in just over a year
- Three suspects remain at large; no injuries were reported but the shop sustained significant damage
- The store is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction
- The council is reviewing security measures and considering bollard installation in the pedestrianised area
