Bookmakers raided twice in week (From The Oxford Times)

Oxford bookmakers raided twice in week

3:09pm Tuesday 30th December 2008 in News By Matt Wilkinson

A hooded gunman who raided an Oxford bookmakers yesterday may have struck at the same branch only days before.

The man, who had his face covered and was wearing gloves, walked into Betfred bookmakers, on London Road, Headington, shortly before 8.30pm last night.

He told the cashier he had a gun and threw a bag over the counter demanding it to be filled with cash.

The robber fled with cash riding a bicycle.

It was the 11th armed robbery in Oxfordshire this month.

Detectives are investigating whether the robbery is connected with a similar raid at the same Betfred branch on Tuesday, December 23.

Police said a man jumped over the counter at about 6.50pm and stole money from the tills before escaping on a green bicycle.

Det Sgt Kevin Parsons, of Oxford CID, said: “At this time we are not linking this incident to the recent armed robbery series that has occurred in Oxford and south Oxfordshire.

“It is not clear whether this man had a real firearm or not, but we are treating it with the utmost seriousness.

“We are investigating whether this robbery is linked to a similar incident that occurred at the same bookmakers last week.

“If you saw a man acting suspiciously in London Road yesterday evening or last Tuesday, please contact us. Did you see someone outside Betfred before these incidents or someone making off on a bike afterwards? If you saw something, then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.