Have-a-go hero fights off thugs armed with baseball bats in Larkhall carjack attack

Dec 29 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAVE-A-GO hero sent three masked thugs armed with baseball bats packing after they attempted to rob him in a terrifying carjacking incident outside his home.

The 57-year-old, who asked not to be identified, fought off the balaclava-clad gang who demanded he hand over cash and the keys to his van.

The victim was targeted two days before Christmas.

He got out of his vehicle when the frightening incident happened in the quiet culdesac of Karadale Gardens, Larkhall, at 10.10pm last Friday.

The brave man, who has a shop outwith the Larkhall area, refused to hand over his money and keys to his van when confronted by the yobs.

They fled empty-handed on foot. Two of them sprinted towards Larkhall Leisure Centre, while the other was last seen running along MacNeil Street.

Although badly shaken, the victim was uninjured in the incident.

He declined to comment on the incident when the Advertiser visited his home this week.

The culprits were described as aged between 17 and 25. All of them were wearing balaclavas, gloves and dark clothing.

Detective Constable Alison Jarvie, from Hamilton CID, who is leading the investigation, has appealed for witnesses to come forward before the gang strike again.

“Thankfully, the man was not harmed. However, it was quite distressing for him,” she said. “Although Karadale Gardens comprises a small number of houses, there is a lane to the back of some of the houses that is used by local people to go to the nearby leisure centre.

“Some teenagers are also known to hang out there.”

Anyone with information on the incident should contact DC Jarvie at Hamilton CID on 483300 or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where calls are free and callers can remain anonymous.

l This carjacking incident happened only weeks after OAP James Simpson was killed after being mown down by his own Land Rover Discovery in Graham Place, Ashgill, as he tried to prevent it from being stolen.

Two men have appeared in court in connection with his death.