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Off-duty PC foils armed robbery
A bank robber ran straight into an off-duty policewoman as he fled with his haul into a busy shopping street.
The man demanded the money from staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Castle Square, Brighton, just before 4pm today.
But he was foiled when PC Andrea Leahy noticed red security dye, which is used to protect banknotes, dripping from his pocket as he tried to get away.
The man had gone into the central Brighton bank and demanded money, claiming he had a gun.
He threatened staff who handed over several hundred pounds in cash and walked out of the bank.
As he went to approach a bus PC Leahy spotted the tell-tale red dye.
It is thought the security mechanism on the money had been triggered shortly after he left the bank.
PC Leahy, who was walking to the bus stop with her partner, stopped the man.
Each held onto an arm to stop him from pulling out any weapons.
They kept him in Palace Place until armed police arrived. The man was searched but found to be unarmed.
PC Leahy's actions won her praise for her bravery and quick thinking.
Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor said: "Normally, a police officer would be protected with a vest, a baton, captor spray and a radio but being off duty PC Leahy had none of these things at her disposal.
"She acted incredibly bravely, tackling a potentially very dangerous individual who had just moments before indicated to bank staff that he was armed.
'Although it appears these were verbal threats, it does not take away the seriousness of the offence."
The arrest caused a stir in the busy street.
Passers-by, workmen, and shop staff gathered to watch the armed police surround the handcuffed man, while office workers peered from over-looking windows.
A 32-year-old onlooker said: "I was just walking down towards North Street. I came around the corner and there were armed police and a man was clutching what looked like a load of £50 notes covered in red dye.
"Everyone just stood around quite stunned. I missed the initial chase so I didn't see anything which happened before.
"He looked like a normal bloke.
"The armed police were right by the guy between the Royal Bank of Scotland and the newsagents at the bottom of North Street."
Staff at Cologne and Cotton, next door to the bank, heard a commotion outside their back room.
Natalie Hogben, 25, said: "I heard them while I was out the back.
"I could hear the police radio.
"I opened the back door and saw a policeman who looked at me to say, 'Go away'."
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
"We haven't seen anything like this before."
Detective Sergeant Helen Campbell, of Sussex Police, said: "A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery."
The man was still being questioned by Brighton CID officers tonight.
10:10pm Tuesday 4th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Brian, Hove on 10:54pm Tue 4 Mar 08
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? More quality reporting from the Argus
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? More quality reporting from the Argus
Posted by: Leon, Brighton on 11:00pm Tue 4 Mar 08
I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.
I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.
Posted by: never wrong dave, Brighton on 12:25am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Leon[/bold] wrote:
I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.[/quote] Good words Leon.Lets face it the world would be a lot worse without the police.They are knee deep in human scum 24/7,but they just get on with the job.
Leon wrote:
I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.
Good words Leon.Lets face it the world would be a lot worse without the police.They are knee deep in human scum 24/7,but they just get on with the job.
Posted by: jeff on 1:07am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Brian[/bold] wrote:
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon. Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? More quality reporting from the Argus[/quote] and more quality comments from brain
Brian wrote:
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon. Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? More quality reporting from the Argus
and more quality comments from brain
Posted by: Mikey on 1:26am Wed 5 Mar 08
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
Brian said: Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe?
Smoke another one Brian, today is Tuesday.
But didn't the article say that the robber was found to be unarmed? Did he ditch the weapon? Soozie, what do you think?
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
Brian said: Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe?
Smoke another one Brian, today is Tuesday.
But didn't the article say that the robber was found to be unarmed? Did he ditch the weapon? Soozie, what do you think?
Posted by: steve, spain on 1:59am Wed 5 Mar 08
poor gezer being held down buy two moterbikes should of banjoed the pair of them
poor gezer being held down buy two moterbikes should of banjoed the pair of them
Posted by: cashier, hove on 6:26am Wed 5 Mar 08
Well done Andrea
Posted by: ronnie, Brighton on 7:50am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]steve[/bold] wrote:
poor gezer being held down buy two moterbikes should of banjoed the pair of them[/quote] try that in English please?
and the biggest YAY! and thanks for the PC and her partner!
the Police get 10/10 as far as im comncerned.
these *****'s that knock them are the first to dial 999 when they are in trouble.
if i was copper, and arrested some violent scumbag, he wouldnt get a few hours community service, he'd get 6months in a wheelchair - i dont know how they resist the temptation i really dont
steve wrote:
poor gezer being held down buy two moterbikes should of banjoed the pair of them
try that in English please?
and the biggest YAY! and thanks for the PC and her partner!
the Police get 10/10 as far as im comncerned.
these *****'s that knock them are the first to dial 999 when they are in trouble.
if i was copper, and arrested some violent scumbag, he wouldnt get a few hours community service, he'd get 6months in a wheelchair - i dont know how they resist the temptation i really dont
Posted by: homer, springfield on 7:54am Wed 5 Mar 08
DOHHHHH. what sort of numbnuts tries to use a bus for a getaway, especially in brighton where nothing moves that quickly. well done for spotting the dye, and a quick arrest
DOHHHHH. what sort of numbnuts tries to use a bus for a getaway, especially in brighton where nothing moves that quickly. well done for spotting the dye, and a quick arrest
Posted by: Decent folk, Brighton on 7:55am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]never wrong dave[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Leon[/bold] wrote: I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.[/quote] Good words Leon.Lets face it the world would be a lot worse without the police.They are knee deep in human scum 24/7,but they just get on with the job.[/quote] Couldnt put it better myself
never wrong dave wrote:
Leon wrote: I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.
Good words Leon.Lets face it the world would be a lot worse without the police.They are knee deep in human scum 24/7,but they just get on with the job.
Couldnt put it better myself
Posted by: steve, bank of no cash on 8:41am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]ronnie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]steve[/bold] wrote: poor gezer being held down buy two moterbikes should of banjoed the pair of them[/quote] try that in English please? and the biggest YAY! and thanks for the PC and her partner! the Police get 10/10 as far as im comncerned. these *****'s that knock them are the first to dial 999 when they are in trouble. if i was copper, and arrested some violent scumbag, he wouldnt get a few hours community service, he'd get 6months in a wheelchair - i dont know how they resist the temptation i really dont[/quote] hurry up and get your wages down john st grass.
ronnie wrote:
steve wrote: poor gezer being held down buy two moterbikes should of banjoed the pair of them
try that in English please? and the biggest YAY! and thanks for the PC and her partner! the Police get 10/10 as far as im comncerned. these *****'s that knock them are the first to dial 999 when they are in trouble. if i was copper, and arrested some violent scumbag, he wouldnt get a few hours community service, he'd get 6months in a wheelchair - i dont know how they resist the temptation i really dont
hurry up and get your wages down john st grass.
Posted by: Dave, At home on 8:45am Wed 5 Mar 08
"He looked like a normal bloke."
So what does a bank robber look like then?
Police 1 - 0 Scum
Yeah, they can rise my council tax to provide more overtime and then there will be no need to have off duty cops, let's sort this town out and make it a proper city....
"He looked like a normal bloke."
So what does a bank robber look like then?
Police 1 - 0 Scum
Yeah, they can rise my council tax to provide more overtime and then there will be no need to have off duty cops, let's sort this town out and make it a proper city....
Posted by: rb, brighton on 9:46am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]homer[/bold] wrote:
DOHHHHH. what sort of numbnuts tries to use a bus for a getaway, especially in brighton where nothing moves that quickly. well done for spotting the dye, and a quick arrest[/quote] :P
that was my first reaction too! must not be from around these parts.
homer wrote:
DOHHHHH. what sort of numbnuts tries to use a bus for a getaway, especially in brighton where nothing moves that quickly. well done for spotting the dye, and a quick arrest
:P
that was my first reaction too! must not be from around these parts.
Posted by: Brambo on 9:57am Wed 5 Mar 08
While she was brave and deserves recognition for tackling him with no protection there are plain clothes security who work in town who do this on a daily basis with no vests, spray or serious back up from the police. Not just dealing with shoplifters butpurse thefts, street violence, car theft, drug dealing. There are between 5 and 10 arrests a day made by plain clothes in Brighton and that's just in the daytime. Weapons are often involved including firearems, needles, knives and other sharps. These deeds are rarely, if ever recognised by the media or the public.
While she was brave and deserves recognition for tackling him with no protection there are plain clothes security who work in town who do this on a daily basis with no vests, spray or serious back up from the police. Not just dealing with shoplifters butpurse thefts, street violence, car theft, drug dealing. There are between 5 and 10 arrests a day made by plain clothes in Brighton and that's just in the daytime. Weapons are often involved including firearems, needles, knives and other sharps. These deeds are rarely, if ever recognised by the media or the public.
Posted by: Brian, Hove on 9:57am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]jeff[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Brian[/bold] wrote:
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon. Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? More quality reporting from the Argus[/quote] and more quality comments from brain[/quote] Thanks Jeff but not sure what your point is other than not being able to spell my name right or is that a little jokette on your part?
jeff wrote:
Brian wrote:
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon. Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? More quality reporting from the Argus
and more quality comments from brain
Thanks Jeff but not sure what your point is other than not being able to spell my name right or is that a little jokette on your part?
Posted by: Brian, Hove on 10:01am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Mikey[/bold] wrote:
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
Brian said: Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe?
Smoke another one Brian, today is Tuesday.
But didn't the article say that the robber was found to be unarmed? Did he ditch the weapon? Soozie, what do you think?[/quote] Mikey you should try going to bed early as you haven't got my post at all have you? And If you read the article properly as well you will see that The lovely Chloe was referring to a policeman's gun.
Mikey wrote:
Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon.
Brian said: Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe?
Smoke another one Brian, today is Tuesday.
But didn't the article say that the robber was found to be unarmed? Did he ditch the weapon? Soozie, what do you think?
Mikey you should try going to bed early as you haven't got my post at all have you? And If you read the article properly as well you will see that The lovely Chloe was referring to a policeman's gun.
Posted by: Mikey, on on 10:14am Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Brian[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Mikey[/bold] wrote: Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon. Brian said: Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? Smoke another one Brian, today is Tuesday. But didn't the article say that the robber was found to be unarmed? Did he ditch the weapon? Soozie, what do you think?[/quote] Mikey you should try going to bed early as you haven't got my post at all have you? And If you read the article properly as well you will see that The lovely Chloe was referring to a policeman's gun.[/quote] Aisle riply propalley wen I get bak from my adult litterassy clars
Brian wrote:
Mikey wrote: Chloe Waites, 20, said: "It was exciting seeing a gun on a Tuesday afternoon. Brian said: Not half as exciting as seeing one on a Wednesday afternoon eh Chloe? Smoke another one Brian, today is Tuesday. But didn't the article say that the robber was found to be unarmed? Did he ditch the weapon? Soozie, what do you think?
Mikey you should try going to bed early as you haven't got my post at all have you? And If you read the article properly as well you will see that The lovely Chloe was referring to a policeman's gun.
Aisle riply propalley wen I get bak from my adult litterassy clars
Posted by: kempers, brighton on 10:51am Wed 5 Mar 08
thats my girl well done trouble :)
thats my girl well done trouble :)
Posted by: Plod, Sussex on 11:32am Wed 5 Mar 08
Hey, nice to see some support for your local police! Whatever you think of the service as a whole, the boys and girls on the front line really do try to make a difference by looking after the good people and locking up the bad. Give 'em a wave, say hello - whatever. They'll really appreciate it.
Hey, nice to see some support for your local police! Whatever you think of the service as a whole, the boys and girls on the front line really do try to make a difference by looking after the good people and locking up the bad. Give 'em a wave, say hello - whatever. They'll really appreciate it.
Posted by: sneaky, Brighton on 11:46am Wed 5 Mar 08
A few hundred pounds is a load of tosh. Did anybody actually see the guy being searched? I did and there was well over a few grand! All the money fell out of his jacket, there was about 15 wads of fifty pound notes, probably all worth a grand and all dyed red. I'd say the geezer was unlucky, everybody loves a good old fashion hold up! Getting away on the bus would have been classic. Off he popped with his saver ticket
A few hundred pounds is a load of tosh. Did anybody actually see the guy being searched? I did and there was well over a few grand! All the money fell out of his jacket, there was about 15 wads of fifty pound notes, probably all worth a grand and all dyed red. I'd say the geezer was unlucky, everybody loves a good old fashion hold up! Getting away on the bus would have been classic. Off he popped with his saver ticket
Posted by: Shami, Brighton on 5:45pm Wed 5 Mar 08
Does this not prove the case for more cycle lanes? If the robber had come by bike, he could have been straight on to it with his booty, and away up the Steine before anyone had twigged.
Does this not prove the case for more cycle lanes? If the robber had come by bike, he could have been straight on to it with his booty, and away up the Steine before anyone had twigged.
Posted by: Heath Herb, Brighton on 6:47pm Wed 5 Mar 08
Well done Andy, your fab as always.
Well done Andy, your fab as always.
Posted by: Me on 10:37pm Wed 5 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Leon[/bold] wrote:
I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.[/quote] you are joking!
if you made a citizens arrest of this robber, the chances are highly likely that you would also be arrested and charged with assault by the Police.
It's not worth the hassle
Leon wrote:
I don't care what all the police haters say (I'm not too much of a fan myself) but that woman deserves a medal. Like the guy said - when they're off duty they dont have any protection, but I bet the woman didn't think twice about what she did. Good job. I wish more people were willing to step in when they see something suspicious. Most would just walk on by.
you are joking!
if you made a citizens arrest of this robber, the chances are highly likely that you would also be arrested and charged with assault by the Police.
It's not worth the hassle
Posted by: Andy, Brighton on 2:12am Thu 6 Mar 08
Well done Andi, cakes all round
Well done Andi, cakes all round
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