Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses and
anyone with information to come forward after a woman robbed a
bookmaker in the Strouden Park area of the town.
The incident took place at around 6.15pm on
Sunday 23 December 2012, at Coral Bookmakers on Castle Lane
West.
The offender entered the shop while a member
of staff was locking up, threatened her with what is believed to be
a firearm and demanded money.
The suspect left empty handed, running off
towards Bradpole Road.
Detective Inspector Mark Samuel, of
Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This was a very scary ordeal for
the victim that has left her very shaken.
“This incident happened opposite the
Castle Point Shopping Centre and a busy main road, so it is likely
there would have been members of the public in the area during the
time of the incident, and that somebody may have information that
can help us in our investigation.
“I urge anyone with any details to
contact Dorset Police on 101 in the strictest confidence.
“The offender is described as a white
woman with curly hair, five feet nine inches tall and of slim
build.
“She was wearing two inch heels, a light
brown scarf covering her neck and a black leather jacket.
“We are also keen to speak with a man who
was seen talking on a mobile phone and appeared to follow the
offender down Bradpole Road moments after the offence had taken
place.
“He was initially stood at the bus stop
opposite the bookmakers.
“He is described as a black man, aged in
his thirties, and wearing a fluorescent sleeveless top and a grey
or beige coloured beanie hat.”
No arrests have been made and nobody was
injured.
Witnesses and anyone with
information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting
incident number 23:368. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous
Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may
apply.