Police appeal for witnesses to robbery at bookies

Jan 13 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

STAFF at a Bellshill bookies were left shaken after two armed robbers burst in at closing time.

Around 8.40pm on Wednesday, January 5, the males entered the Ladbrokes store at 149 Hamilton Road and threatened two staff members who were preparing to close up.

The suspects made off with a three figure sum of money.

They were described as being casually dressed in dark clothing with their faces covered.

It is thought after they left the shop they may have made there way onto Liberty Road.

In another robbery in North Lanarkshire a 24-year-old woman had her handbag snatched, containing money and bank cards, as she walked along Laburnum Road, near to Ross Drive in Viewpark.

The incident took place at 11.10pm on Sunday, January 2.

The victim had just got off a bus when she was approached by two males described as 19-20 years old, slim, one wearing a black jacket with an orange square on the shoulder and dark tracksuit bottoms, and the other with a spotty complexion and also wearing dark clothing.

Bellshill Police are appealing for witnesses to either of the crimes to contact them on 01698 202400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.