Answer to Kirkcaldy bank robbery lies with local community

Inspector Graeme Neill and Chief Inspector Steven Hamilton at the press conference

That was the message from Chief Inspector Steven Hamilton, area commander for central Fife, speaking at a press conference at the town’s police station this afternoon (Friday).

And he said that police are keen to speak to a man with a dog who was in the area of the Templehall shops around 10.40am and who would have seen the two men responsible for robbing the TSB bank after threatening staff and customers with a handgun and a crowbar.

The men were both wearing dark clothing including black caps, and carried green carrier bags.

Praising the Dunearn Drive bank staff’s “absolute professionalism” in what he described as “a very frightening experience,” Mr Hamilton said that while it was still to be established exactly how much money they had taken, it was a four-figure sum.

When asked about the gun which police earlier revealed had been used, the chief inspector said: “I can say we are sure that a handgun has been used in this incident. Whether it was a viable weapon or not we can’t say.”

He added: “A number of people were out and around the bank. There was a gentleman walking his dog as these people came out of the bank and who was very close to them. We are seeking to identify who he is.”

He said the fact that the two men left on bicycles, described as being of mountain bike style, and were last seen on Alford Avenue allowed the police to concentrate their efforts in the Kirkcaldy area rather than further afield.

“I believe the people responsible for this will be caught and the answers will lie in the local community. I would appeal for anyone with any information to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

When asked what he would say to people living in the Templehall area, Mr Hamilton said: “I can fully understand that they will be concerned, but I would say this is a rare thing to take place and there will be a number of high visibility officers in and around the Templehall area for the forseeable future.

“If anyone has any concerns they can approach the officers or contact myself or Graeme (Neill) to discuss any information they have.”