Police in Pennsylvania are investigating a brazen midday armored truck robbery that netted as much as $800,000, raising concerns it may be connected to a string of similar heists in the Philadelphia area.
Cheltenham Township police say two armed men targeted a Brinks truck on Tuesday outside the H Mart grocery store in the 700 block of Cheltenham Avenue. The robbery occurred in broad daylight, stunning shoppers and bystanders.
Authorities reported that the suspects approached the truck while Brinks employees were servicing the store. Brandishing firearms, the robbers demanded cash before fleeing the scene with an estimated $700,000 to $800,000. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Police have not released descriptions of the suspects but are reviewing surveillance footage from the store and surrounding businesses. Investigators are also canvassing the area for witnesses who may have seen the robbers or their getaway vehicle.
The heist marks the latest in a series of armed robberies targeting armored vehicles in and around Philadelphia this summer. Law enforcement sources confirmed they are examining possible links between this case and four other recent attacks on Brinks and other armored truck operators.
In each incident, the perpetrators struck during cash pickups or drop-offs at busy locations, suggesting a coordinated effort and knowledge of armored truck routines. Police have not disclosed whether they believe the same crew is behind all the robberies.
Cheltenham Township Police Chief John Slavin urged anyone with information to come forward, noting the severity of the crime and the risk to public safety. “These individuals are armed, dangerous, and willing to commit these acts in broad daylight,” Slavin said. “We’re working with our law enforcement partners to bring them to justice.”
The FBI and other federal agencies have reportedly been contacted due to the large sum of money stolen and the possible interstate nature of the crimes. Armored truck robberies, while relatively rare, are considered high-priority investigations due to the potential for violence and the large amounts of cash involved.
Brinks, one of the largest armored transport companies in the U.S., said it is cooperating fully with authorities but declined to comment on specific security measures.
The robbery outside H Mart has left many in the local community shaken. “It’s scary to think this can happen in the middle of the day at a place where families shop,” one resident told local media.
Police are asking anyone with tips to contact Cheltenham Township detectives or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. A reward may be offered for information leading to arrests in the case.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine whether Tuesday’s heist is part of a larger, organized crime operation targeting armored trucks in the Philadelphia region.
