Man With Knife Demanded Cash At Bookmaker’s on Woodbridge Hill

Published on: 21 Jan, 2013
Updated on: 22 Jan, 2013

Detectives in Guildford are appealing for information following an attempted robbery at a bookmaker’s shop in Guildford on Sunday afternoon (January 20).

Surrey Police were called to Corals on Woodbridge Hill at cordoned off the area in front of the bookmakers.

Surrey Police were called to Coral on Woodbridge Hill and cordoned off the area in front of the bookmaker’s.

The offence happened at Coral on Woodbridge Hill sometime between 2.45pm and 3pm when the suspect threatened a member of staff with a knife and demanded money.

The offender entered the store and was asked for identification to show his age but left after this initial request. He went back into the betting shop a couple of minutes later to ask why he had to show ID and after being told, he left the shop again. He went into the bookies for a third time and pulled out a knife which he pointed at an employee behind the counter.

A customer in the betting shop picked up a chair, which he pointed at the offender and challenged him. The suspect fled, turning right towards the Wooden Bridge pub as he made his escape.

The suspect is described as being of mixed race, aged between 16 and 20 years of age, about 5ft 8in and of a slim build. He was wearing very baggy blue jeans which were worn low down, a black hooded top and a black body warmer jacket on top. He wore black Nike gloves and spoke in a street slang style described as sounding like Ali G.

Detective Constable Rhodri Lewis investigating said: “This brazen attempt at robbery caused those in the store fear and distress and Surrey Police will not tolerate such acts of intimidation and violence. The suspect was in and out of the betting shop and there may be passing motorists or pedestrians who may have seen this man acting suspiciously. I would urge anyone with information, however slight the detail, to call officers as soon as possible.”

Anyone who may be able to help is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference GD/13/529. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.