Off sales held up twice in 24 hours

Jan 22 2013 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

Police were last night hunting a dangerous armed robber after an off-licence store was targeted TWICE in the space of just 24 hours.

A masked raider threatened two women aged, 61 and 28, with a weapon before demanding cash and cigarettes when he robbed a One O One Off-Sales, Kilbarchan Road, Johnstone, on Sunday morning.

Then, as cops were investigating the first robbery, a man fitting a similar description robbed the same branch yesterday morning.

He threatened two women, aged 61 and 53, before more money was handed over by the petrified staff.

Detective Sergeant Gerry McWatt, Paisley CID, said: “These robberies have been a terrifying experience for the members of staff working at the off-sales.”

One neighbour revealed that he spotted a young man calmly walking out of the store minutes before police showed up on Sunday.

He said: “I just saw the boy come out of the shop, walk across the road and head down McLaurin Crescent.

“But he didn’t run – he walked. I can’t believe he was just walking as he was after robbing somewhere.

“I didn’t know exactly what he was carrying but to me it looked like a wee bag or something.

“I’m sure that was the guy who robbed it as he came out and minutes later all the police turned up.”

He added: “They’re such nice people who work in the shop as well so it’s a real shame that the members of staff had to go through what they did.

“The police stopped by this morning and asked me what I’d seen.”

The shop was closed off yesterday morning as police and CID officers spoke with staff inside and assessed CCTV evidence.

And last night a public appeal for information was issued.

DS McWatt added: “Any information could prove crucial to helping officers track this individual or individuals down.

“I’d like to reassure the local community we are doing everything we can to catch the person or persons responsible.

“Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and examining CCTV footage.”

The suspect in Sunday’s robbery – which took place shortly before noon – was described as white and around 5ft 9inches in height.

He was wearing a faded red T-shirt, a black beanie style-hat, a black scarf covering his face, a brown Parka-style jacket with a furry hood, brown jogging bottoms and white trainers.

The description of the man who robbed the off sales branch yesterday – who also covered his face with a dark scarf – is described, 5ft 10inches tall and wearing a blue jacket, dark coloured jogging bottoms and a beanie hat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.