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Two sought after robbery

Northumbria Police

4 March 2010


Police are appealing for information following a robbery at a bookmakers in Heaton, Newcastle.
Two men entered the Betfred bookmakers on the junction of Benton Road and Cornel Road at around 9.20pm on Tuesday March 2. They demanded money and made off with a quantity of cash from the premises.
Both men are described as aged between 16-18 years old. They both wore hooded tops and had scarfs covering the lower part of their faces.
One is described as very slim with a thin face, while the other one is of stocky build.
Anyone who witnessed anything, or anyone with any information is asked to call Byker CID on 03456 043 043, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Chief Inspector Bob Ryan of Northumbria Police's harm reduction unit said: "People are mistaken in thinking there are large quantities of cash lying around in bookmaker’s shops; this is not the case.
“Bookmakers employ cash minimisation practices which mean there is very little cash in the store at any one time.
“This means that criminals who consider stealing from these premises and committing such a serious offence are risking long prison sentences for very little gain.
“Northumbria Police is working closely with betting shops across the region, making stores even more secure and ensuring that practices are put in place that make it easier to catch offenders.