Fife Constabulary say they will carry out high-visibility patrols in areas of Dunfermline after staff at two shops were threatened one at a bookies where an armed raider used a weapon and escaped with a three-figure sum of cash.
The first incident happened at 5pm on Wednesday at the Cheque Centre on Douglas Street, when a man entered the shop and told staff to hand over money. The perpetrator fled empty-handed after the shop’s panic alarm was activated.
The man is described as being of slim build, 6ft 2ins, 20 to 30 years old, wearing dark sunglasses, a black, possibly puffa-style jacket and jeans. He may have spoken with a foreign accent. It is understood that he made off towards the High Street.
The second incident occurred at Coral Bookmakers on Hospital Hill, just before 9pm on Wednesday. A man entered the shop and threatened staff with a weapon before making off with a three-figure sum of money. Police did not reveal what the weapon was.
The suspect is described as being 20 to 30 years of age, around 6ft, wearing a black puffa-style jacket and dark trousers, and may also have had a foreign accent.
Detective Inspector David McLaren said, “Clearly there are some similarities between both crimes but at this time we are keeping an open mind with regard to linking the incidents.
“The female shop workers involved at both premises have been left shaken and upset as a result of their ordeal and I would ask that anyone who has any information or who was in the area of either premises at the relevant times to get in touch.
“I think it’s also important that I reassure the people of Dunfermline that as well as doing all we can to catch the person or persons responsible we will also be carrying out extra high-visibility patrols in the vicinity of similar premises around the town in an attempt to deter any further crimes occurring.”
Anyone who has any information on these incidents should phone Fife Constabulary on 0845 600 5702 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.