Armed man strikes twice at bookies (From Bucks Free Press)

Armed man strikes twice at bookies

9:22am Thursday 15th December 2005 in News By Nic Brunetti

AN ARMED robber who raided a bookmakers in Marlow is believed to be the same man who committed a robbery there four days earlier.

It happened at Ladbrokes in the High Street, on Sunday, December 4, when a man jumped over the counter and threatened a lone member of staff with a handgun.

He then escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash at around 11.05am.

The man is being fingered as the likely suspect of a similar robbery at the same bookies last Wednesday November 30 at around 10.50am.

In this incident, a man entered the store and produced a handgun before also leaving with cash.

Detective Constable Caroline Jones, said: "The similarities in both offences are obvious and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information that they feel could help with the police investigation.

"The man may have been waiting outside the bookmakers before committing the robberies and anyone who may have seen him or has any information is urged to contact me."

Police were called by a customer and a police helicopter circled overhead for some time after the robbery.

In both robberies, the man is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s and was wearing dark clothing.

Det Con Jones added: "I am keen to hear from anyone who may have been in or around the High Street on Sunday or last Wednesday and saw anyone matching this description acting suspiciously."

Ladbrokes declined to comment on the safety of their staff at the bookmakers.

Marlow High Street Ladbrokes was targeted 18 months ago by an armed robber who was later caught and convicted for a string of similar robberies.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Jones on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111