Two men are to be held in prison to await trial after being accused of planning to rob staff delivering cash to a Brighton post office.
Zak Marsden, 22, of Portland Road, Hove, and John Gallagher, 22, of Ryelands Drive, Moulsecoomb, were remanded in custody by Brighton magistrates this morning.
They are due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 14 October.
They were arrested after what Sussex Police described as “a high-profile search” in the Bevendean area on Wednesday afternoon (3 August).
They have been charged with conspiring to commit robbery and the aggravated theft of a car.
Gallagher has also been charged with having cannabis.
They are suspected of having been in a stolen car near the post office in Widdicombe Way in Bevendean just as a security van was delivering cash to the cash machine there.
A passer-by reported men acting suspiciously in a BMW 5 Series at about 3.15pm.
Chased
Police approached the car and chased it to Southall Avenue where the men swapped from the BMW to a Mazda 4×4 that was parked there.
The Mazda was abandoned in Kimberley Road shortly afterwards.
Sussex Police said that after a thorough search of nearby streets, involving firearms officers and the police helicopter, the two men were arrested who have now appeared in court.
Detective Inspector Clare Shiel said: “Our investigation since Wednesday afternoon suggests that the suspects may have been planning an imminent robbery on a cash delivery van and staff.
“Two men have now been charged for offences relating to this so I cannot disclose further details until they have been heard in court.
“However, I would like to thank the quick-witted member of the public who called us to report the suspicious activity.
“We deployed lots of officers to this search, creating some disruption to local people, so their patience and understanding is appreciated.”
Detectives are continuing their investigation and believe that two other men may have been involved.
They have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.
