Newsagent Robberies In Southampton

Police are appealing for witnesses after two newsagents were robbed in Southampton on Sunday July, 17 on the same evening less than two hours apart.

The first robbery took place in One Stop, Butts Road where two men stole over £300 worth of spirits and cigarettes.

The robbery happened just before 7pm when a man suddenly started kicking the door separating the tills from the shop floor causing the top half to break off. He then climbed over this door and went behind the till area where he stole the cigarettes and bottles of spirits. A second man was stood next to the till holding a bag open which was then filed up with these items. The two men then left the store together.

Two members of staff who were behind the counter stayed back as they were scared by the robbers actions.

The first man is described as:

-A tanned white

-5ft 9 inches tall

-Slim build

-Late twenties

-Has stubble on chin and cheeks

-Moustache

The second robber is described as:

-White

-Big build

-5ft 7-5ft 9 inches tall

-Aged late 20s to early 30s

Was carrying a dark gym sports holdall over his left shoulder with the bag next to his right hip.

The second robbery occurred in the Co-op, Warburton Road at around 8.30pm.

Staff at the Co-op were when a man jumped over the counter from the shop floor and pushed one of the staff in the chest causing him to fall to the floor. He then spoke in an aggressive manner to him. He stayed on the floor while the man stole ten packets of cigarettes and several bottles of spirits from the shelf behind the counter and then jumped over it and ran out the shop.

The robber in this case is described as:

-A tanned white

-Aged late 20s,

-Between 5ft 9 inches and 6ft 2inches tall

-Of medium build.

-Had a dark brown fringe

-Dark eyebrows,

-Dark brown eyes

-Stubble on his face

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in relation to the second incident and bailed until August, 3 whilst police carry out further enquiries.

Officers are appealing for anyone shopping in the stores at the time or who may have seen a man or men running away from the shops to come forward. They would also like to speak to anyone living between the two stores who have private sources of CCTV. Anyone who has recently been offered discounted cigarettes or alcohol are also urged to come forward.

They are asked to contact PC Gemma Boyle at Bitterne police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.