Teen tells robbers to give up before someone dies

Oct 2 2012 by Chris Clements, Paisley Daily Express

The teenage victim of a terrifying knife robbery has told how he fears his attackers may end up killing someone.

The 17-year-old was robbed of his mobile phone when he was held at knifepoint by two masked thugs in Erskine.

Now the victim – who asked not be named – has urged the perpetrators to put a stop to their dangerous behaviour before someone is hurt.

The scaffolder told the Paisley Daily Express: “If I could say one thing to these robbers, I would tell them just to give up.

“They aren’t just affecting us, but they’re harming themselves and their future in the long run.

“They could end up seriously hurting or killing someone.”

The teen’s ordeal took place on a deserted footpath near Erskine’s Umachan last weekend.

He explained: “I was on the phone as I walked away from where I’d been hanging out with my pals. I’d just walked across the field and on to the path near Umachan when a guy approached me.

“He said, Gie’s your phone or I’ll plug ye.

“At first, I didn’t believe him. I just said no, and said he wouldn’t stab me.

“But then he whipped out his blade.

“I don’t know if it was a knife but it was definitely a sharp object.

“I heard a noise behind me and looked back. His mate had come down the wee hill and was standing there.”

The victim explained how the seriousness of the threat didn’t sink it until he saw the weapon. At first, I thought the guy was taking the p***.

“But when I saw the knife I thought, I’m going to get stabbed. I panicked.

“The first boy held the knife at me and demanded the phone again.

“This time I just handed it over, and afterwards they flung me in the bushes and ran away.”

He added: “I can’t remember what the guys looked like. I was more interested in the blade and trying to get away from them.

“I thought a phone can be replaced, but my life can’t.”

Straight after the robbery, the teen hopped on a bus and went straight to Renfrew Police Office to report the crime.

“My family were obviously pretty shocked by it, but they were thankful that I wasn’t hurt.

“My advice to anyone is don’t walk alone in deserted areas at night. If I had been with a few other people, this wouldn’t have happened.

“The guys obviously saw me by myself and thought they’d have a go.

“I hope the police find them soon. How many more people are they going to threaten or steal from before someone gets stabbed?”

Police have appealed for witnesses to the robbery, which took place at 10.30pm on Sunday.

If anyone has information they should contact CID at Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.