Brave shopkeeper told: “Your money or your life.”

Feb 3 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A BRAVE shopkeeper this week spoke of her horror after a knife thug barged into her store and yelled: “Your money or your life.”

The robber brandishing a blade threatened to kill the shocked woman if she didn’t hand over takings from the till.

The 39-year-old, who didn’t want to be named, was subjected to the terrifying ordeal at the Shopsmart store in Burnbank’s Glasgow Road on Friday at 12.25pm.

He pounced while the woman was stacking shelves.

The yob pulled out the knife and ordered the woman to open her till before fleeing on foot with nearly £300 in cash and several boxes of cigarettes.

He was last seen sprinting along Glasgow Road.

Yesterday (Wednesday), the woman told the Advertiser: “He was standing at the counter with a knife and shouted ‘it’s your money or your life.’

“He said it’s not worth it, give me the money.

“He yelled ‘open the till and if you don’t I will stab you – your life is not worth the money.’

“I opened the till and he took about £200 to £300 and several boxes of cigarettes.”

The woman, who was uninjured but shaken by the incident, is back at her work following the ordeal.

“I am still in shock,” she declared.

“I am not letting this put me off. Why should I, it is my livelihood?

“All my customers are asking how I am?

“We have been here five years and nothing like this has happened.

“I hope police catch him.”

Police said the suspect was slim and wearing dark clothing.

Detective constable Cameron Miller, who is leading investigation, has appealed for witnesses to come forward before he strikes again.

“This was a frightening attack on a woman who was going about her daily duties at work.

“Thankfully, she was unhurt, although left shaken by her ordeal.

“Glasgow Road is a busy road for both pedestrians and drivers, and I would urge anyone with information to contact me, so that we can identify the man who carried out this dreadful attack.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Miler at Hamilton CID on 483300, or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.