Gunman holds up bookies

Dec 18 2008 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

WORKERS at a busy betting shop were left terrified when an armed raider burst in and ordered them to hand over the takings.

The red-haired robber struck in broad daylight and warned staff he was armed with a handgun before grabbing at least £1,000.

The daring crime took place at Coral bookmakers, in Paisley Road, near the corner of Porterfield Road, Renfrew.

It’s the second time in a matter of weeks that a Coral betting shop in the town has been robbed and follows a frightening spate of hold-ups across Renfrewshire in the last few months.

This latest incident happened at around 2.30pm on Tuesday when a man entered the shop and demanded money.

Although he warned staff that he had a gun, no weapon was actually seen.

Seconds later, the thief grabbed a bundle of cash and ran out of the shop.

No-one was injured but the workers were badly shaken by their ordeal.

Detectives say the robber was last seen running towards Broadloan with another man who is believed to have been waiting outside the shop.

The raider is described as in his early 20s, about 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build and was wearing a dark camouflage jacket with a hood, dark jeans and white trainers. The second man was wearing a dark hooded jacket.

Last night, as cops stepped up their hunt for both men, they refused to rule out a possible link with a series of robberies in and around the Renfrew and Johnstone areas since October.

In an appeal for witnesses, DC Lesley Irons, who is leading the investigation, said: “Paisley Road in Renfrew would have been busy at the time of the robbery and I appeal to anyone who may have seen the suspects before or after the incident to come forward.

“Anyone who can help us with information is asked to ring Johnstone CID on 01505 404000.”

A few weeks ago, a 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with raids on four businesses, all in Renfrew. The hold-ups took place at a video store, a petrol station and an off-sales.

The man is also accused of attempted robbery at a flower shop in Renfrew.

Police have also been investigating robberies in Johnstone and Bridge of Weir.