Hunt for Ayr bookie bandit continues

Mar 5 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A BOOKIES in Girvan was raided by an armed thug.

But police are not linking the latest robbery to a spate of bookmaker hold-ups in Ayr and Prestwick.

The William Hill’s in Dalrymple Street was targeted at 6.30pm on Friday.

A man brandishing a hammer walked into the shop and demanded cash before jumping the counter and helping himself to money.

He is described as around 5’ 8” in height, in his mid twenties with a local accent.

The man was wearing a dark green jacket, black and white checked scarf and gloves.

He was threatening towards the staff and very menacing – completely different from the man responsible for five robberies in Ayr and Prestwick.

Police are still seeking information about a series of terrifying robberies in Ayr and Prestwick.

Officers are keen to speak to the man shown in this CCTV image about the robberies.

He is wearing a distinctive black hoodie with large white snowflake patterns on it.

Many betting shops are now locking their doors and restricting access to regular customers.

Detective Inspector Craig McArthur, from Ayr police office, said: “Our main priority is the safety of the public. We have extra patrols out and about and we are still visiting bookmakers regularly.

“We don’t know if the individual responsible will tell anyone what he is doing.

“In this line of work, people will sell their soul to the devil. There are a lot of theories getting banded around, is it someone who has fallen on hard times? Or someone who is just very good at what they do?

“We really need the assistance of the public in this. All that’s needed is one break.”

Anyone who has information on any of the bookmaker robberies should contact the incident room at Ayr police office on 01292 664166.