Police hunt masked raider who robbed bookies at gunpoint

Jan 29 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A MASKED raider pointed a shotgun at a female staff member during a terrifying robbery at a Hamilton betting shop.

Two female staff cowered in fear as the thief armed with the firearm burst into William Hill in the Burnbank Centre last Wednesday about 6.55pm.

He pointed the weapon at one of the frightened woman and ordered her to put the day’s takings in his bag.

The gunman then fled with the haul believed to be hundreds of pounds.

One customer was in the shop playing a fruit machine when the raid happened.

No shots were fired during the hold up.

Both female staff members were shaken by the frightening ordeal.

One punter, who didn’t want to be named, told the Advertiser: “I was told that a young man came running into the shop wearing a balaclava and armed with a shotgun.

“Two girls were in the shop and they were terrified.

“He pulled out the gun and pointed it at them and asked them to fill his bag with cash.

“I don’t think he threatened them and then he ran away with the money.”

Another added: “After the robbery, the area was swarming with police and they were out looking for the gunman.

“They brought out the helicopter in a bid to track him down.

“At first I didn’t know what was going on. It was only later that I heard that William Hill had been robbed and I was shocked.

“It’s the first time that this bookies has been robbed, but there have been a few other robberies on bookies in this area.”

The gunman is described as 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build.

He was wearing a balaclava, a khaki coloured jumper, jeans and brown boots.

Detective constable Cameron Miller, who is leading the hunt for the gunman, said they were examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the robber.

“This was a frightening experience for the women in the bookmakers,” he said.

“I would urge anyone who saw this man either entering the premises or running way to contact the police.”

Witnesses should contact DC Miller at Hamilton CID on 483300 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.