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.

 

 

Child robbed in Govanhill

Police are continuing enquiries after an 8 year-old girl had money and her mobile phone stolen in Govanhill on Wednesday 11 April 2012.

Around 4pm a young man was in Govanhill Park sitting on an inflatable red fitness ball, normally used for gym exercises. He approached the girl, stole her money and her mobile phone before making off.

The suspect is described as Asian, in his mid teens to early twenties, between 5 ft 5 and 5 ft 8 inches in height. He was wearing a black jacket over a long brown tunic and brown, loose fitting trousers.

Police officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries in the surrounding areas and are reviewing CCTV images in an effort to find out more detail about the suspect.

Detective Inspector Scott McMillan said: ‘Given the time of day, I’m sure there were people out and about in the park and the surrounding area. Someone may have noticed the man sitting on the red ball or may even have witnessed the incident. I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time to get in touch with us. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us trace the suspect. I would like to reassure local people, who may have concerns, that there will be a heightened police presence in the area and officers are there, not only to gather information but to provide reassurance to any concerned local residents.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cathcart Police Office on 0141 532 4900. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in confidence and anonymously.

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.