Knife-point robbery at beleaguered shop (From Stroud News and Journal)

Knife-point robbery at beleaguered shop

A KNIFE-WIELDING raider threatened to stab a young assistant in a Stroud shop which has been targeted by criminals more than 100 times in the past 16 months.

The masked man held a 6-in knife in front of the terrified 20-year-old and demanded money from the till, in Hill Shop and Video (formerly Costcutter) in Bisley Old Road, Stroud.

The young woman bravely told him to "get lost" in no uncertain terms, though discretion proved the better part of valour and she sensibly handed over a small amount of cash.

Shop owner Steven Lord praised her actions on Thursday night and revealed to the News & Journal how he has lost around 10,000-worth of stock from the convenience store through shoplifting.

The thieving had prompted him to invest in a hi-tech security system which has helped police secure convictions against around 20 shoplifters.

He estimated that he has caught at least 140 shoplifters in his shop thanks to his security and it has already paid for itself because it has halted the haemorrhaging of stock which threatened to bring his business to its knees.

The latest incident at around 9.40pm on Thursday was, however, the nastiest, he said.

"She was pretty upset about it," said Mr Lord. "I was upstairs at the time. I heard my wife shout and I came tearing down to see the girl behind the till in tears.

"He threatened to stab her if she did not open the till." He said police called in tracker dogs and a forensic team scoured the shop for clues, after the raider fled.

"We believe he's local, I'm sure he's a regular customer as he came in with one of our bags."

Police spokesman Steve Partridge said officers have appealed for anyone who may have seen the incident to come forward.

The suspect was described as a white male, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, and in his early 20s. He was wearing a grey hooded top and headed for Middle Street after the raid.

Anyone with any information can contact Stroud police station on 01452 335625 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.