Armed Robbery At North Tyneside Bookies

9 November 2012, 09:52 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A bookmakers in Longbenton's been targeted by an armed robber brandishing an axe.

At around 9pm on Thursday November 8th, a man walked into the Betfred bookmakers on West Farm Avenue in Longbenton armed with an axe.

The man threw the axe in the direction of staff who fled to the safety of a book room.

The two members of staff weren't hurt but were left shaken.

The man then left the building with a small quantity of cash.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

North Tyneside Chief Inspector Mandy Shea 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."

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact officers on 101 ext 69191, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.