A Dundee shopkeeper has told how a robber wielded a knife at his staff and then trashed the store before making off with three days’ worth of earnings in broad daylight.
Habib Syed, who runs the Drink Smart convenience store on Strathmartine Road, said he was “in shock” after the incident, which happened at around 3.45pm on January 8.
Police have now launched a manhunt and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
Habib said: “A female staff member was on the till when a guy came in.
“He tried to buy something but his card didn’t work so the staff member said she couldn’t serve him.
“He then went away for a while and came back, pointing a knife at the lady on the till and asking for money.
“She ran out straight away and then people were holding the door shut from the outside to stop the guy escaping.
“He was very aggressive – he grabbed everything he could and then broke the till, the printer, the heater, anything he could reach.
“He also threw wine bottles at the door. It’s a miracle the glass on it somehow didn’t break.
“Eventually he managed to escape with my Macbook and lots of money. I’m not sure exactly how much, but it was around three days’ worth of earnings.”
Habib added that it was difficult to get a good look at the culprit, as his face was covered with a hoodie.
He added: “I’m just in shock. I’ve been here for 14 years and this is the first time something like this has happened.
“When I went in, there were broken things all over the floor, the place was trashed.”
A number of police units attended in the area at the time of the incident and officers were still in attendance carrying out enquiries at around 8pm.
A police spokesman said: “We are appealing for anyone who saw a tall male in the area around the time of the incident who was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, a dark North Face hooded jacket and white trainers, or anyone who has any information in relation to this incident, to contact police on 101 and quote incident number 2261 08/01/19.”
