An attempted robbery at the MRB Rural Bank in Winneba was successfully thwarted by a swift response from the police in the early hours of Friday, August 15, 2025. According to a preliminary report, the bank’s security alarm was triggered around 1:00 AM, prompting an immediate response from a local police patrol team.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered gunfire from suspected armed robbers attempting to break into the bank’s vault. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, after which the robbers fled the scene, abandoning a pump-action shotgun, an empty cartridge, and various tools believed to have been intended for the heist. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
A team of investigators from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the CID Headquarters in Accra, led by ASP James Atampugri, was quickly dispatched to Winneba to assist with the ongoing investigation. Crime scene investigations confirmed that at least five armed individuals were involved in the attempted robbery.
Police believe the foiled attack closely resembles previous rural bank robberies in the country, raising suspicions that the same criminal gang may be responsible. Intelligence gathered so far indicates that the suspects may be hiding in Kumasi. Surveillance teams from the AARU are currently on the ground there, working to identify their hideouts and track down the gang.
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could aid in the ongoing investigations.
