Bike-riding armed robber hits two bookies (From The Argus)

Bike-riding armed robber hits two bookies

5:30pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

A bicycle-riding armed robber has struck for the second time in as many days.

Two bookmakers little more than two miles apart in Worthing have nowbeen targeted.

Police believe the same offender, a hooded man carrying a knife, is responsible for both raids.

The first betting shop, Ladbrokes in Rowlands Road, was targeted at 5.40pm on Tuesday.

A man walked into the betting shop armed with a knife and demanded money from the cashier.

He left with a quantity of notes.

The man was wearing gloves and a balaclava, a grey hooded top, grey or white tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

On Wednesday at 7.15pm a man entered Betfred in Brougham Road and threatened a male member of staff with a knife, demanding money.

He ran out of the shop after becoming aware of a customer. He ran east along the road and then got on to a small bike.

No one was injured.

The thief was described as white, 20 to 30 and of average build with a southern accent.

He was wearing a black jacket, black woollen gloves and dark grey balaclava.

He was carrying a knife and a green plastic bag.

This is not the first time Betfred has been targeted.

In March 2010 a gunman attempted to rob the shop.

In November 2009 it was also targeted.

A police spokesman, referring to the Ladbrokes incident, said: “Detectives and officers are continuing with investigations.

“This was distressing for the staff in the shop and thankfully no-one was injured during the incident.”

In relation to the second incident, a spokesman said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area around the betting shop before the incident or anyone who saw a man leaving the shop and getting on to a BMX-style bike with a green plastic bag and riding away.”

Call Sussex Police on 101.