Appeal to trap bookies raider
05 October 2007
 |
| Appeal to trap bookies raider |
THE gunman who held up Ladbrokes bookmakers in Wisbech is believed to have been responsible for a series of armed raids on other bookies.
Police believe the man has carried out similar robberies in north-west London dating back to September 2005.
Since the end of November there have been hold-ups in Spalding and Haverhill.
Detectives have appealed for information through the television programme, Crimewatch.
The Wisbech raid came just before 6.30pm on January 8, as Ladbrokes, in Church Terrrace, was about to close.
Police believe the robber had waited in St Peter's Gardens for the final customers to leave before walking to the counter brandishing a handgun and demanding money from the two cashiers.
An undisclosed amount of cash was handed over and the man escaped.
The man, captured on CCTV, is described as white, in his early 50s, slim, at least 6ft, and with a London accent.
He was wearing a thigh-length dark jacket, with a scarf wrapped around his neck and chin, as well as gloves, a fisherman's-style hat and dark glasses.
It is believed he uses a dark Rover 400 with cloned number plates.
Because of the geographical area of the offences, it is believed he may live in Harrow or Barnet.
Det Chief Insp Harry Hennigan, from Finchley Flying Squad, said: "The CCTV images we have issued give the public the opportunity to help us solve a number of armed robberies. They show clear distinctive features that we believe would identify the man if you knew them.
"We believe that this man has committed a substantial number of robberies across the country, which, although he has not caused any direct serious injury, have caused an enormous amount of distress to the people he has threatened.
"It also has a financial impact on the businesses involved."
CONTACT: Finchley Police Station on 0208 358 1751 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Share or bookmark this with...
All original material on this page, unless specified by another URL, is the property of Archant and may not be reproduced without permission. Click here to find out more...