Police probe link between dual bookmaker robberies

Jun 13 2012 By Joe McGuire

POLICE are probing a possible link between robberies at two bookmakers.

Staff at both shops were left “badly shaken” by the raids and one worker needed hospital treatment.

Police believe the incidents may be linked as both involved blunt instruments.

A man entered Ladbrokes in West Nile Street at 9.40pm last Thursday and threatened a 38-year-old female member of staff. He snatched a three-figure sum of money and made off on foot. The woman wasn’t injured.

The suspect is a slightly built white man, who had a thin and gaunt face. He had black framed glasses and was wearing a red waterproof-style jacket with black shoulders and sleeves, and black jeans.
His hood was up and he wore a skip cap underneath.

The second robbery took place at William Hill in Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields, on Sunday. A man entered the bookmakers at 6pm similarly armed and threatened a male member of staff. After demanding money, he attacked the 56-year-old, who managed to fight him off and the robber fled empty-handed.

The suspect was white, 25-30 years of age and slim. He was wearing a red jacket with black shoulders, black trousers and white trainers. He was carrying a black rucksack.

DC Scott Brockie said: “This was an extremely frightening attack. The shop worker has since been released but has been badly shaken by what happened.

“Nithsdale Road was very busy at the time so I’m appealing for witnesses to come forward.”

Anyone with information on either robbery is asked to contact police on 532 4900 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.