Balaclava Bandit Busted for Shocking Co-op Heist in Whitby
Aaron David Atkinson, 29, with no fixed address but linked to Whitby, was sentenced today at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to a daring robbery at the Co-op on Front Street.
Hammer-Wielding Thief Targets Shop and Post Office
In a brazen January daylight robbery, Atkinson stormed the shop around 11:40am wearing a camouflage balaclava. He brandished a black-handled nail hammer, demanding cash from a terrified shop assistant.
He then confronted the Post Office counter inside the same building, again demanding money – but an alarm slammed into action and staff retreated behind security glass. With no more cash coming, he fled in a blue Ford Focus parked nearby.
Fast Police Work Nets Recovery and Arrest
Extensive police inquiries led to Atkinson’s arrest at Carlin Howe just after 2:40pm that same day. Officers recovered the stolen cash, balaclava, hammer, and the Vans trainers worn during the crime inside the getaway car.
Driving Ban Added to Atkinson’s Sentence
Alongside the robbery charges, Atkinson admitted to attempted robbery at the Post Office, and multiple driving offences – including driving whilst disqualified, without insurance, and under the influence of drugs. He has been banned from driving for 20 months.
Detective Constable Steve Monty said: “To be wearing a balaclava and carrying a hammer while demanding money is a very menacing thing to do. Atkinson has admitted his guilt and is rightly facing up to the consequences of his criminal actions. Both workers were left very shaken by the incident and it continues to affect them to this day. I have nothing but praise for the brave and calm way they handled this frightening situation.”
