Two bookies and an off-license robbed in the space of two weeks
Police
are appealing for witnesses and information following two armed robberies
on bookmakers in Ealing on the 14th and 15th November 2005.
Police were called at 16.46 on 14/11/05 to reports of an armed robbery
at the Tote Sports Bookmakers in South Ealing Road.
Two men had entered the premises, the first approaching the counter
and the other remaining behind by the door. The man at the counter
then passed a bag across to the staff member and asked them to fill
the bag.
The man was polite and never threatened anyone but he was observed
to be in possession of what has been described as a black handgun.
Once the bag had been filled with a quantity of cash both suspects
walked out of the premises in a calm manner, walking up South Ealing
Road towards the Broadway.
No shots were fired and no one was injured. One customer was in the
premises at that time and has been assisting police.
Suspect 1 is described as a white male aged approx. 45-50yrs, over
6 foot tall with a stocky build wearing dark clothing.
Suspect 2 is also described as a white male aged approx 40-yrs with
a short stocky build wearing a black woolly hat.
On 15/11/05 at 10:15 police were called to the Coral Bookmakers on
South Ealing Road at the junction with Durham Road to reports of an
armed robbery.
This time only a man matching the description of suspect 1 entered
the premises. Again his manner was calm as he demanded cash, this
time showing the black hand gun he had in his possession. Again
he walked out of the premises with a quantity of cash this time heading
along Durham Road.
The incidents are being investigated by the Flying Squad based at
Finchley and are being treated as linked through the description of
suspect 1 and the method that has been used.
In addition to the bookmakers officers believe that the suspect is
also responsible for an armed robbery of Unwins Off License on South
Ealing Road on 31st October 2005 using a similar method.
Suspect 1 entered the shop and approached the cashier at the counter.
He produced a handgun from his pocket, wanting the money from the
till. The cashier pulled out the till tray and the suspect placed
his handgun in his pocket before removing notes and coins placing
them in his pockets. Suspect 1 then walked out of front door and is
believed to have disappeared via the road leading alongside the venue.
Investigating officer DC Mike Svensson said:
"It is likely that the behaviour of the suspect or suspects responsible
for these robberies would not have attracted any attention as they
made their way from the scene of their crimes. However we would like
to hear from anyone who saw anyone matching the description of either
of these suspects in and around the area of South Ealing Road at the
times following these robberies."
Anyone with any information that could assist police is asked to call
the Flying Squad on 020 8358 1751. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous
can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
November 22, 2005