MAN JUMPS COUNTER AND STEALS CASH FROM WATFORD BOOKMAKERS

Staff at a Watford betting shop were left in shock on Sunday, February 16 when a customer jumped the counter and escaped with around £200 in cash. A young Asian man entered Ansells Bookmakers, at 207 St Albans Road, between 4.20pm and 4.30pm. He climbed over the counter and grabbed the insert from one of the tills while the staff had their backs turned. The suspect, who was wearing a blue quilted coat with a large hood, then made off in the direction of St Mary’s Church in Church Street. He tossed the till insert into the church’s front garden as he passed and it was later retrieved by the police. Richard Ansell, of Ansells Bookmakers, said: “It was clear from the hood and gloves that this was a planned robbery but staff were not initially concerned at his appearance as the weather was bad and they had served him several times previously. “Both employees fought back and a tussle ensued during which one member of staff suffered a cut hand and bruising.” A police spokesman described the suspect as Asian with short black hair and of slim build. He is thought to be between 20 and 25 years old and was wearing a blue puffa-type jacket and jeans. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call PC John Brown on non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number C4/14/362. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.