A string of robberies have hit more than half a dozen convenience stores in Derbyshire in the past weeks in which a significant amounts of cash was stolen from stores including a Best One and several Co-ops.
According to latest reports, seven stores in Derbyshire were struck by armed robbers in the last six weeks. Police have shared footage of one of such robbery in which a shopkeeper can be seen fighting off a knife-wielding robber.
The force said the suspect had not physically harmed anyone during any of the robberies - which police are treating as being linked - but said significant amounts of cash had been stolen. Independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information.
The force said the first three robberies happened in Derby between 18:00 and 21:32 on Oct 5 with the suspect described as wearing a bright orange top. Another shop was targeted in Derby the next day followed by a fifth on Oct 14 in Ilkeston. Two more shops were robbed in Chaddesden and Oakwood. The suspect in the later incidents was described as wearing dark or black joggers or tracksuit bottoms, a navy hoodie and a face covering.
Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill said: “These offences have understandably caused concern and a team of detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry in an effort to bring the man responsible to justice.
“I know there are people in the community who know who this man is – and they know that the right thing to do is to come forward. We have thankfully seen nobody physically hurt in the incidents so far, but any person who is willing to arm themselves with a knife is putting our community at serious risk.
“We are increasing both our uniformed and plain clothes patrols in the city – as well as armed response officers including potential targets as part of their patrol strategies. I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward as soon as possible.”
