Basingstoke Robbery Staff Talk Of Ordeal

13 August 2013, 13:09 | Updated: 13 August 2013, 13:10

Staff targeted in a Basingstoke robbery have described the moment they were threatened with a hammer during the raid.

One worker said she was “physically shaking” as the man demanded money from the Coral bookmakers near The Camrose football ground in Western Way.

He got away with a bag of cash during the robbery, which happened just before 9pm on Wednesday, July 31.

Two women were working at the time – the deputy manager, who doesn’t want to be identified has described what happened.

She said: “I saw him come into the shop with a hood up and covering his face.

“He shouted to us to get down and we dropped to the ground and then he demanded we give him money.

“I was physically shaking and was very scared about what he might do if he didn’t get the money.

“This incident has made me quite nervous and I don’t think the reality of it has hit me yet.

“I would urge anyone who knows who did this or any information that might help, to contact the police.”

A customer service assistant, also working at the time, says she’s still in shock about what happened.

She added: ““It was just a normal evening at work when the man came in and started shouting.
“I was really scared when he threatened us and was holding the hammer, I remember being scared for myself, my colleague (who is also my friend) and for the customer in the shop.

“I just kept thinking about my children.”

She added: “I did feel a bit sorry for him that he had to resort to that to get money, but you can’t get away with it.

“That has had a terrible effect on my life and he will have to live with that.

“I am really nervous and jumpy now, especially in the evenings, and am dreading going back to work.”

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Rod Kenny on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.