Masked Post Office Raider Jailed for Over Seven Years
Alan Loveridge’s Crime Spree Ends Behind Bars
Alan Loveridge, 56, a career criminal from Thetford with no fixed address, has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court for two terrifying post office robberies. The total sentence, including weapons charges, adds up to ten and a half years, but he will serve seven and a half years behind bars.
Two Armed Raids in Broad Daylight
The first armed robbery happened on the afternoon of Wednesday 3 August at a post office on Well Lane. Loveridge and an accomplice, both masked with balaclavas, threatened staff with hammers and crowbars. They demanded cash from the till and fled in a vehicle, leaving one staff member with minor injuries.
The second incident unfolded on Thursday 1 September at a post office on Station Road in Wells-next-the-Sea. Loveridge entered brandishing a crowbar and stole a large amount of cash. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
Quick Police Action Leads to Arrest
Minutes after the Wells raid, Norfolk police caught Loveridge in Dereham, recovering the stolen cash. He was taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigations Centre for questioning and soon charged.
Detective Slams Ruthless Robber
“Loveridge is a career criminal who showed a callous and extremely threatening nature,” said Di Stu Dolan of Bury St Edmunds CID. “His actions were deeply upsetting to the victims. Despite previous convictions, he hasn’t learned his lesson. Now he has plenty of time to reflect behind bars.”
“We won’t tolerate criminal threats against people just trying to work and earn a living. We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”
Serious Crime Prevention Order on the Horizon
- Authorities plan to seek a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) to restrict Loveridge’s movements and associations after his release.
- The SCPO hearing is scheduled for 10 February 2023.
- Loveridge also pleaded not guilty to a separate offence in Claydon on 25 August, but this charge is currently being laid on file.
