CCTV of Axminster robbery
Police investigating a spate of robberies in Axminster have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with one of them.
Three robberies have taken place at commercial business premises over the last two weeks.
The CCTV relates to a robbery which occurred at around 6pm on Christmas Eve at the Prospect Garage filling station, Lyme Road, Axminster.
A man described as white, around 6ft, slim build with brown eyes. He was wearing a distinctive horizontally-striped jumper, horizontally-striped woollen hat and light-coloured scarf across his face entered near to closing time and threatened staff with a knife.
He left the premises with cash and it is believed he got into a car parked on Lyme Road and headed toward the direction of Axminster town centre.
Another robbery happened on Sunday 29 December shortly after 8.50pm (KA/13/713 refers). A man entered the Tesco filling station, Shand Park and threatened staff to hand over cash and cigarettes.
He left with a substantial amount of cash in small denomination notes. He made off on a white moped-type motorcycle and may not have been wearing a helmet.
He is described as white, aged around 30-40 years, slim to medium build with dark hair and a moustache. He was wearing a yellow fluorescent workers-style jacket and light trousers.
Detective Sergeant Mark Oldershaw, Honiton investigation team, said: “We are urging the public to contact us with any information about either of these offences, if they know who this man is or have seen anyone matching these descriptions in the Axminster area.
“It may be that someone has been in receipt of unusual quantities of cash that they ordinarily would not have access to.
“Although we are asking people to remain vigilant at this time, these offences are highly unusual for the area.
“Additional police officers have been deployed to conduct patrols in the Axminster area to provide reassurance and we would encourage the community to provide any information they hold that could assist in apprehending the offenders.”
A man has been charged with a robbery on Saturday 21 December 2013 at the Co-operative store on South Street, Axminster. Samuel Murphy, 26, from Axminster has been charged with this offence and remanded in custody until January.
Anyone who knows the identity of the man pictured or who has any information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call police on 101 quoting KA/13/705 or KA/13/713, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
