Police are appealing for information following a robbery and an attempted robbery in Ayrshire on Saturday 7 January 2017.
Around 1940 hours on Saturday night, a man brandishing a knife threatened a 55 year old male shopkeeper in Ali’s General Store, Hearth Place, Cumnock, and demanded money. However, he left empty handed.
The second incident took place a short time later, around 2020 hours, when a man threatened a 37 year old male shopkeeper in the Day to Day store in Highpark Ave, New Cumnock, with a knife before making off on foot with a three figure sum of cash.
The suspect in both incidents is described as white, 5ft7” to 5ft 10”, wearing a blue and grey jacket, a light coloured face mask or scarf, black trousers, dark footwear and gloves.
DCI Alan Sommerville is appealing for information. He said:
“Thankfully on neither occasion were staff injured but what happened was very distressing and frightening for them to experience. Unfortunately, this is the second time the shop in New Cumnock was targeted; the last time being in November last year when another member of staff was on duty.
“From our investigations, we believe that it is the same man who is responsible for both incidents last night.
“We also believe, due to the timescale and the distance of seven miles between the two shops, he must have had access to some form of transport.
“From CCTV and from speaking to staff, we know that there were a number of people outside both shops shortly before and after the crimes. We understand some were regulars and would ask them or anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or who has information that will assist officers with their enquiries to come forward.
“One line of enquiry is that the suspect may have had an accomplice – maybe someone hanging outside the shops when he was inside. Again, if you saw anything unusual, then call police at Kilmarnock CID via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”