Robbery at Shamley Green village store
Submitted: 02/03/2010 14:59:23
The pair made off down the side of the shop.
A robbery at a village store in Shamley Green at the weekend saw thieves target a member of staff with a noxious spray.
The incident happened at 6.50pm when two men entered the Shamley Green Stores and Post Office on The Green via the back door. One suspect ran towards the shop assistant, grabbed her by the neck and pulled her head forward spraying her in the face with a liquid from a grey cylinder. As a result the victim, who was wearing glasses struggled to get away but became aware that a further offender was in the shop.
The attacker grabbed cash from the till and went to open the tobacco cabinet and in the meantime the second suspect was involved in a scuffle with the employee. The first intruder made off with handfuls of items clasped to his chest and the second offender made to remove further cigarettes. The shop worker then saw red and went to slap the thief, telling him to get out, which he then proceeded to do.
The pair made off down the side of the shop, passing in front of the store entrance and away from the main road. They got away with £65 in cash and a quantity of cigarettes valued at £150.
The female victim was left shaken but suffered no lasting physical injuries other than discomfort from a burning sensation to her skin.
The suspects are described as two men, both 6ft tall and each wearing a scarf across their face. The fits offender is in his twenties and of a medium build. He was wearing a white coat or jacket. The second suspect had short hair and was wearing a jumper which was possibly striped.
West Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses to the robbery and DC Jackie Green officer in charge of the investigation said: “This was a nasty attack which left the victim very shaken and could have caused much more harm if she had not been wearing glasses. Surrey Police will not tolerate violence in our communities particularly when it is aimed at an innocent worker who was merely going about her everyday business at a quiet village location.
“I would urge anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the local store, either driving by or on foot, who may have witnessed these two offenders to contact officers as soon as possible. Any information received may be the snippet which could help lead to these violent criminals and bring them to justice.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Dann said: “This is an extremely unusual incident in what is typically a peaceful rural community. Residents should be reassured that it is not an everyday occurrence and that the Safer Neighbourhood team will be working closely with Waverley CID to find those responsible. I would encourage anyone who can help with this investigation to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference WV/10/1059. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.
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