Florist Beats Robber With Cellophane

15 February 2010, 13:10 | Updated: 16 February 2010, 07:44

Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in the Tuckton area of the town.

The incident, in which a man entered Heffords Flowers on Tuckton Road, threatened the owners with a screwdriver and demanded money, happened at around 6.20pm on Saturday, 13 February 2010.

Nothing was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Garry Knight, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “One of the owners, Keith Hefford, struck the offender on the hand with a roll of cellophane and the man fled from the shop.

“It is believed that he got into the passenger side of a small, light-coloured hatchback vehicle, similar to a Vauxhall Corsa.

“This car was parked outside the florist and drove away in the direction of the Tuckton roundabout. The number plate on the car was obscured using plastic or tape.”

The offender is white, believed to be in his late teens, approximately six feet tall and of a slim build. He is said to have pale skin, ‘sharp’ facial features and distinctive light blue or grey eyes.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a white of grey hooded top, with the hood up, and a striped scarf across the lower half of his face.

DS Knight continued: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this attempted robbery, and anyone with any information about the man responsible, to contact me urgently.

“I am also keen to speak with anyone who has any information about either the getaway vehicle or the driver as soon as possible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.