Police are appealing for witnesses and information following two armed robberies on bookmakers in Ealing on the 14th and 15th November 2005.

Police were called at 16.46 on 14/11/05 to reports of an armed robbery at the Tote Sports Bookmakers in South Ealing Road.

Two men had entered the premises, the first approaching the counter and the other remaining behind by the door. The man at the counter then passed a bag across to the staff member and asked them to fill the bag.

The man was polite and never threatened anyone but he was observed to be in possession of what has been described as a black handgun.

Once the bag had been filled with a quantity of cash both suspects walked out of the premises in a calm manner, walking up South Ealing Road towards the Broadway.

No shots were fired and no one was injured. One customer was in the premises at that time and has been assisting police.

Suspect 1 is described as a white male aged approx. 45-50yrs, over 6 foot tall with a stocky build wearing dark clothing.

Suspect 2 is also described as a white male aged approx 40-yrs with a short stocky build wearing a black woolly hat.

On 15/11/05 at 10:15 police were called to the Coral Bookmakers on South Ealing Road at the junction with Durham Road to reports of an armed robbery.

This time only a man matching the description of suspect 1 entered the premises. Again his manner was calm as he demanded cash, this time showing the black hand gun he had in his possession.  Again he walked out of the premises with a quantity of cash this time heading along Durham Road.

The incidents are being investigated by the Flying Squad based at Finchley and are being treated as linked through the description of suspect 1 and the method that has been used.

In addition to the bookmakers officers believe that the suspect is also responsible for an armed robbery of Unwins Off License on South Ealing Road on 31st October 2005 using a similar method.

Suspect 1 entered the shop and approached the cashier at the counter. He produced a handgun from his pocket, wanting the money from the till. The cashier pulled out the till tray and the suspect placed his handgun in his pocket before removing notes and coins placing them in his pockets. Suspect 1 then walked out of front door and is believed to have disappeared via the road leading alongside the venue.

Investigating officer DC Mike Svensson said:
"It is likely that the behaviour of the suspect or suspects responsible for these robberies would not have attracted any attention as they made their way from the scene of their crimes. However we would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone matching the description of either of these suspects in and around the area of South Ealing Road at the times following these robberies."

Anyone with any information that could assist police is asked to call the Flying Squad on 020 8358 1751. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

November 22, 2005