By Tahna Weston
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Police are investigating two armed robberies at businesses in Herbert’s and Bendals within a 24-hour period.
The latest incident occurred at Brownie’s Bakery in Herbert’s on Tuesday night, 1 September, when a masked gunman reportedly held a cashier at gunpoint and demanded money.
CCTV footage shows the assailant approaching the counter wearing a red shirt over a black undershirt, a red mask covering his face and a red hat.
The visibly shaken cashier removed cash from the register and handed it to the gunman, who then fled the bakery.
It is unclear how much money was taken. The robbery occurred at about 7:47 p.m.
The other robbery reportedly occurred at about 3:55 p.m. on 31 August at a business along Bendals Main Road.
Two young men wearing hooded shirts were seen on surveillance footage walking along the road before running into the business.
Reports indicate that one of the men pointed what appeared to be a gun at a young man seated inside, while the other robbed a man of what is believed to have been jewellery.
The two men then fled the business on foot.
The incidents have prompted concern among members of the public, with some calling for businesses to take greater steps to protect employees.
Others expressed concern about an apparent increase in armed robberies and called for stronger measures to deter such offences.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigations is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477).
The robberies come as the government says it will take a tougher stance on crime, particularly in relation to sentencing for offences involving the use of a firearm.
Police probe two armed robberies in 24 hours
