Hamilton police hunt armed robbers suspected of two raids in area

Nov 12 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

DETECTIVES were this week linking two armed robberies - on a video shop and a chemist - in Hamilton.

Police were hunting a gunman who made off with a three-figure sum of cash after he held up the Video Drive-In in Quarry Street on Sunday.

Two days later, a thug armed with a firearm burst into Boots Pharmacy in Low Waters Road and fled with a three-figure sum of cash.

Speaking after the Boots robbery, Detective Constable Norman Laurie said: “We are looking at the possibility of this robbery being linked to another on Sunday evening at the premises of Video Drive-In at Quarry Street.

“This is obviously a concern to us and we are determined to trace the man responsible.”

A gunman burst into the Video Drive-In at 8.10pm.

He threatened a 19-year-old male staff member and then demanded cash, eventually making off with a three-figure sum.

A second man waited outside while the robbery was taking place.

The pair were last seen in Quarry Street heading in the direction of Low Waters Road.

The member of staff was badly shaken but otherwise unhurt during the incident. The gunman is described as 5ft 9ins tall, slim, with short dark hair. He was clean shaven and of gaunt appearance.

He was wearing a red and blue Berghaus jacket and dark blue/black tracksuit trousers with white stripes down the sides.

His accomplice was in his early 20s and slim. He was wearing dark trousers or jeans and a light-coloured jacket.

Detective Constable Christine McLanachan appealed for witnesses to come forward.

She said: “Although no one was injured, it was a frightening experience for the member of staff.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Quarry Street at about 8pm and saw the suspects either entering or leaving the premises to come forward.

“It may be that they were hanging about in the area before the robbery and I would ask members of the public who saw anyone behaving in a suspicious manner to contact us."

At about 7.20pm on Tuesday, a man entered Boots Pharmacy in Low Waters Road, near Portland Place, armed with what appeared to be a firearm.

He threatened the female member of staff and demanded money before fleeing from the premises with a three-figure sum. It is not known in which direction he headed. Police carried out a full search of the area in a bid to find the gunman.

He is described as 5ft 9ins to 6ft, slim and wearing a white/cream hooded top and blue denims.

DC Laurie added: “This was a frightening experience for the young woman, who thankfully hasn't been injured, although she is naturally extremely shaken.

“I would however urge members of the public who saw anyone behaving in a suspicious manner that evening to contact us."

Anyone with information on the above incidents should contact Hamilton CID on 483300, or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

lThis is not the first time that robbers have struck at the Video Drive-In. In September 2007, the Advertiser reported how brave Madeleine Hill stood up to a gunman who attempted to rob the store.

The thug pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the 19-year-old former Hamilton Grammar pupil and demanded money.

But plucky Madeleine refused to hand over the cash and the raider fled empty-handed after she threatened to press the store’s panic alarm.

In December 2004, a robber stole a two-figure sum of cash from the shop after he threatened a 19-year-old female assistant with a knife.