Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Kelvin Leonard:
At approximately 3:50am this morning Police received a report of a robbery at the McDonald's on Queen Street, Cambridge.
A group of offenders smashed a window to enter the premises. They took the tills and left the scene in two silver cars.
The main restaurant was closed but the drive-thru was operating, staff hid in a safe room and no one was injured.
Then at approximately 5:05am Police were made aware of a similar robbery at the McDonald's on Thomas Road, Hamilton.
A group of offenders again smashed their way into the restaurant and took the tills before leaving in cars. Staff hid in the bathrooms and were not injured.
Police making enquiries in the area following the robbery came across a suspicious vehicle near Lynden Crescent at around 5:25am. The driver failed to stop and a short pursuit was initiated before being abandoned for safety reasons.
Police are at the robbery scenes this morning and scene examinations are underway. We believe the two robberies are linked and are making a number of enquiries to locate the offenders.
We are also ensuring the victims are given the support they need.
We encourage anyone with information which may be of use to Police in these investigations to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre