Spate of robberies at newsagents.

Saturday 2 March 2013

Two McColl’s newsagent shops on Glasgow’s Southsider were robbed within hours of each other this weekend. And a similar incident occured in Symington, Ayrshire, too.

The first robbery was at 29 Eaglesham Road, Clarkston on Friday 1 March around 9.30 pm when two men entered the store. One carried a firearm and demanded money from the 18-year-old male shop assistant. They got away with a small sum of money and a quantity of cigarettes. The firearm was not discharged but the shop worker suffered a minor injury to his head and was treated at the Victoria Infirmary. The robber with the firearm is white, late 20s, wearing a dark ‘Fred Perry’ waterproof jacket with a logo on the left breast area, a white hoody underneath, a balaclava and blue jeans. The second robber is white, late 20s, wearing a dark hoody, jeans and white ‘Nike Air Max’ trainers.

Detectives from Pollok CID are checking all available CCTV from the area and appeal for more information. Said Detective Sergeant Mark McLennan: ‘This was undoubtedly a terrifying experience for the young man who was working in the newsagents. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured but he has been left very shaken as a result. The newsagents is situated on a very busy road, and there are several takeaways and off-licences nearby. On a Friday night, this would have been more busy than usual so I appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of this part of Eaglesham Road to get in touch with police. We need people to come forward with any information they may have.’

Anyone who saw men fitting the descriptions or acting suspiciously in the area, is asked to contact Pollok CID on 0141 532 5600.  Said DS McLennan: ‘We know they left on foot. However it is possible they had a vehicle, so I’d ask anyone who may have seen a vehicle parked nearby that may have been driven erratically or at speed, to get in touch.’

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed in confidence.

The second incident happened at RS McColl’s newsagent on Carmunnock Road, Cathcart around 7am on Saturday 2 March. Two women aged 50 and 52 had just opened up the store when a man entered and threatened them with violence and a weapon. He demanded money and keys to the safe. He stole a four figure sum and keys to a white Volkswagen Polo which was parked outside. He then stole the car which was later found burnt out nearby in Linn Park. The women were uninjured but very shaken.

The man is described as around 5ft 10 inches, slim build, with a thin/gaunt unkempt appearance and ‘yellowing’ teeth. He was wearing a black jacket, with a blue hoody underneath and dirty blue jeans with dark shoes.

Detective Constable Stephen McGrath of Aikenhead Road CID said: ‘This was a brazen act by this man who went into the shop, literally, as it opened for the day. I’d like to reassure the public that we’re making extensive enquiries into the incident. A man apparently entered the shop just prior to the suspect entering but left as the incident occurred. We would urge this man to contact us as he may have information that could help.

‘We’re carrying out door to door enquiries and speaking to shop owners nearby. I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen a white Volkswagen Polo being driven at speed just after the incident taking place, and anyone who saw it around Linn Park, which is a short drive away, before being set alight. I know the area is busy with dog walkers and on a Saturday morning this would have been no different with people coming and going to buy their morning papers.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact Aikenhead Road CID on 0141 532 4900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed confidentially.

Earlier on Saturday morning – around 6.20am – an attempted robbery took place at a newsagents in Symington, Ayrshire. A 77 year old man was working on his own within TD Kirkland newsagents when a man with a bladed weapon entered the store and demanded money. This was refused by the shop owner and the man left, empty-handed.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 10 inches in height, of slim build wearing black clothes, a black balaclava and black gloves. Detective Inspector Stevie Wallace said: ‘The shop owner had just opened up his shop when the suspect entered, demanding money. Although the suspect had a weapon, the shop owner was uninjured.

‘Symington is a quiet village, and the area in which the attempted robbery took place is quite remote. We will be carrying out door to door enquiries. But I’d like to speak to anyone who may have been heading to the shop to get their daily paper or their breakfast rolls and ask them to get in touch. They may have information which could assist with our enquiries.’

The number to call is Ayr CID on 01292 664000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed confidentially.

 

 

Suspicious fire in Albert Drive

Strathclyde Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire in Albert Drive, Pollokshields in the early hours of Monday 24 September 2012.

Around 2am on Monday morning, Police and Fire and Rescue services received a report of a fire in the first floor of a tenement in Albert Drive. Three men aged 32, 60 and 61 jumped from a window on the first floor. All three men were taken to Glasgow’s Victoria Infirmary where they were detained in a stable condition.

Three other people were evacuated from the building. A further six were evacuated from a nearby building as a precaution.

Officers are now treating the fire as suspicious and a joint investigation is underway. Because of the unsafe condition of the building, the investigating officers from both services have been unable to carry out thorough investigations.

Occupants of the building, including local businesses, have also been unable to return due to essential work required to make the building safe.

There are no descriptions of any suspects and officers are appealing for anyone who was in or around Albert Drive around 2am to contact them. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen someone hanging around or acting suspiciously or anyone running away from Albert Drive.

Anyone with any information should contact Gorbals Police Office on 0141 532 5374.  Alternatively they can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where they can remain anonymous.

Asbestos clean-up after school fire

Demolition of the disused St Mark’s Primary School in Glasgow’s East End will start on Saturday 26 May. The building was torched earlier this week and white asbestos revealed.

The clear-up operation is being handled by specialist contractors in the immediate area and around Tollcross Park where the suspect debris will be dealt with.

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said there was no immediate risk to public health. ‘Air quality is being monitored and is well within acceptable limits,’ he said. ‘The Council has written to residents in four streets beside the former school to give advice and explain how the clean-up is being done.’

Local people have been warned to leave all the clearing to the asbestos specialists and not to attempt to do any of the work themselves. In addition, residents have been asked not to cut hedges or lawns until work is complete and to limit use of their gardens. Plot holders at Tollcross Allotments have also been advised not to use their plots until the clear-up is complete.

The work will be carried out between 7am and 10pm each day until it is finished with atmospheric and ground level monitoring continuing till the completion of the job.

The process for removing the debris has been agreed with the Health & Safety Executive. The work is being carried out by specialist contractors – Hunter Demolition – and overseen by Glasgow City Council. Anyone finding material they are concerned about should not interfere with it, but notify Glasgow City Council immediately on 0141 287 0999.

The fire, which happened on Tuesday 22 May in the afternoon, was started deliberately. Strathclyde Police are appealing for information and ask people who can help to call 0141 532 4800 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

 

Police ask for help in assault case

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted in Govan on Thursday 22 March 2012.

Between 1545 and 1600 hours on Thursday afternoon, a 32 year old man was attacked by two men as he left a house in Crossloan Terrace, Govan. He was taken by ambulance to the Southern General Hospital where he was detained.  At the time of writing (Saturday 21 March ) hospital staff described his condition as stable.

Detective Constable Chris Smith, Govan CID, is appealing for witnesses.  He said: “The man was in his friend’s house when two men came to the door and entered the flat. Once  inside, an argument took place between them and the friend, so he left the flat.  However, as he went into the street, he was attacked from behind and badly beaten.

“We are keen to speak to three men who were in the area at the time and who might be able to help us with our enquiries.  They are described as possibly being in their 30’s, white and Scottish.  One was wearing a red tracksuit, another a brown jacket and the third a green top.  Their information could prove significant in the enquiry.

“Crossloan Terrace is residential and overlooked by many flats.  It is possible that people nearby will have seen or heard a disturbance outside. If they did, I would ask them to phone Helen Street CID on 0141 532 5400 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”

Police Appeal following Pollok Attempted Murder

Detectives at Pollok Police Office are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Pollok on Saturday 18 September 2010.

Around 2310 hours, a 31 year-old woman was at her home address in Haughburn Road, Pollok with family, when an object was thrown through her front window. A second object, which had been set alight, was thrown at the entrance door causing minor fire and smoke damage.

Nobody was seriously injured, however, the woman’s son, 5, was taken to Glasgow Southern General Hospital to be treated for minor cuts from glass. He was later discharged following treatment.

Police are treating the incident as attempted murder.

Detective Sergeant Wilson Davidson at Pollok CID is continuing enquiries and appealing for witnesses. He said:

“Our investigation is at an early stage and we are currently working to establish a motive for this reckless and mindless act which could have had far more serious consequences.

“We believe that a group of male youths may have been responsible, however, we are not clear exactly how many were involved – all we know at this stage is that they were wearing dark clothing and described as aged between 20- 25 yrs of age.

He continued:

“I would appeal to any local residents or anyone who was in the vicinity of Haughburn Road that night around 2310 hours who may have seen or heard a disturbance, or may have seen a group of male youths hanging around prior to the incident or running off afterwards, to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives at Pollok CID on 0141
532 5616. Alternatively, information can be passed to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800
555 111 where anonymity will be maintained.

Police seek witnesses in Govanhill sexual assault

by Lynsay Keough

Strathclyde Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault in Govanhill.
On Monday 26 July at around 10 45pm, a woman, 22, was walking along Bowman St towards Victoria Rd to catch her bus home, when she was approached by 3 men. After initially engaging her in conversation, they dragged her into Kingarth Lane, where she was subjected to a horrific sexual assault by all 3 men.
It is believed that the men were disturbed by a passing dog walker. The woman was then able to escape by running out onto Victoria Road, where she flagged down a passing taxi.
The woman has been able to give police a description of each of her 3 attackers:

One of the men is: 5ft 6, heavy build, of eastern European appearance, late 30s to early 40s, short shaven hair, brown eyes, stubble and a round shaped head. He was wearing a sleeveless dark top with a football logo on it (possibly saying ITALIA), dark coloured three quarter length trousers and trainers. He also smelt of body odour, stale drink and smoke.

The second is: 6ft, thin build, of eastern European appearance and a distinctive thin, chin line beard. He was wearing dark blue denims with baggy pockets, a grey long sleeved top and black trainers which had multiple stripes running from the laces to the sole.

The third is: 5ft 6, 15-18 years old, with gelled spiky hair and of eastern European appearance. He was wearing a square shiny earring in his left ear and a white top with long sleeves.

Strathclyde police are seeking to reassure the public that there will be extra uniformed and plain clothes officers are being brought into the Govanhill area until these men are caught. They are pursuing door to door inquiries and checking CCTV cameras in the area for further leads.

Detective Sergeant Craig Warren of Gorbals Police Office is appealing for information. He said today:
This was a despicable attack on a lone female and these men need to be found”

“From the enquires we have already carried out, I am aware that these men were disturbed by a passer-by walking a dog and that the woman got a taxi from Victoria Road after the attack. We are keen to speak with both of these people as I believe they may have vital information in relation to this incident.”

“The descriptions given by the woman include some very distinct details, someone out there must recognise these people. I would ask anyone who recognises any of the suspects to come forward and help us solve this crime.

“As such I would appeal to anyone who saw anything or who has any information that may assist our enquires to contact Gorbals Police Office on
0141 532 5300. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Robbery appeal

Strathclyde Police are appealing for information after a 14 year-old girl was robbed on a bus in Cathcart Road on Wednesday 28 July 2010.
She was travelling on the First Bus 75 service between Castlemilk and Glasgow City Centre at 2.30in the afternoon when she was robbed of a mobile phone and a two figure sum of cash by another girl on the bus when it was in Cathcart Road.
The suspect is described as white, 5ft 5” in height, 16-17 years of age with dark brown hair.  She was wearing dark-coloured clothing and described as wearing lots of make-up.
Constable Stephen McGrath of Pollok Police Office is appealing for information.  He said:
“I would appeal to anyone who was on the bus at the time of the robbery, or anyone who recognises the description of the suspect to come forward. Pollok Police Office can be contacted on 0141 532 5600.  Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.’

Cardonald Cemetery vandalised

Strathclyde Police is appealing for witnesses following major damage to Cardonald Cemetery.
Between 5pm on Wednesday 9 June 2010 and 9am on Thursday 10 June 2010, significant damage was caused to around 150 headstones within the cemetery.
Inspector Fiona Carmichael from the Communities Unit at Govan Police Office said:’This was an act of mindless vandalism that will cause great distress to many families in this area and beyond. I am disgusted by the damage caused and families will now also have the financial worry of repairing or replacing headstones for their loved ones. We are carrying out extensive enquiries and there will be an increase in high visibility patrols by local community officers in the area. We will pursue the individuals responsible for these crimes. If you have any information at all, please come forward and help us trace the people responsible.’
Anyone with information should contact Govan Police Office on 0141 532 5400. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Nasim Jamil attacker’s clothes ‘may be bloodstained’, say police

 

Police investigating the murder of radio presenter Nasim Jamil have renewed their appeal for information after it emerged her assailant’s clothes may have been bloodstained in the attack.

 

The Awaz FM agony aunt, 54, died as a result of severe head injuries she sustained in the ‘brutal’ assault at her home, 128 Byres Road, Hillhead, on Wednesday, 9 December.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Raphael, officer in charge of the investigation, said:

‘We believe she attended a doctor’s appointment nearby around 1.30pm. I would urge anyone who saw Nasim anytime between then and early evening to come forward.

‘Byres Road is always busy with shoppers, pedestrians and motorists, and I appreciate that it may be difficult to remember seeing someone entering a close.  However, I am interested in speaking to anyone who saw anyone leaving the close at 128 Byres Road on Wednesday.

‘Did anyone notice someone running from the area or someone behaving in a suspicious manner? It may well be that the person responsible’s clothing will have been bloodstained. It is important that we speak to any person who could provide that little bit of information that could prove vital to our investigation.’

Any members of the public with information can contact the Police incident room on 0141 532 3559 or call Crimestoppers freephone number 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Maxwell Park fear area after commuter is attacked

Police in Pollokshields are looking for four young men who threatened and robbed a man in Maxwell Park.

The 59-year-old, who was punched in the face but otherwise unharmed, later told police he was concerned for the safety of local people who like to enjoy the park.

The incident took place at around 6.15pm on Wednesday December 2, when the man returning from work, got off a train at Pollokshields East station in Terreagles Avenue.

On his regular route through the park he was approached by four men who threatened him with a weapon – which he did not see – before punching him on the face and stealing a three-figure sum of money. They ran off in the direction of St Andrews Drive.

A small amount of money was recovered in the park shortly afterwards.

The suspects are described as four Asian males, aged approximately 17 to 19 years of age. All were wearing dark hooded tops and dark trousers.

Anyone with information on the attack is asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Pollok Police Office on 0141 532 5639 or Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555111.