Two Held and Bailed After Spate of Southampton Robberies
Southampton police have arrested two suspects following two daring robberies in the Bitterne area within days. A 32-year-old man is bailed until July 19 on suspicion of robbery, while a 30-year-old woman, suspected of assisting an offender, was also released on bail until July 29.
Robbers Strike Ladbrokes and Cash-in-Transit Driver
The crime spree began Sunday, May 15, at 9.30pm when a man stormed into Ladbrokes bookmakers on Butts Road. He demanded cash from the cashier before fleeing with £175. Luckily, no one was hurt.
Just hours later, on Monday, May 16 at 10.20am, trouble struck again. A cash-in-transit driver, 44, collecting money near Domino’s in Bitterne Road precinct, was attacked. The suspect allegedly smashed him with a bat-like weapon and made off with a cash box containing a whopping £12,000. Again, no injuries were reported.
Same Suspect Linked to Both Crimes
Police are confident the same man committed both offences. Witnesses describe him as:
- White male, late 20s to early 30s
- Height between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in
- Medium build
- Wearing a blue hooded top both times
- Sporting turquoise knee-length chequered shorts on May 16 near Domino’s
- Carrying a bat or similar weapon during both incidents
The stolen cash box is described as black with orange stickers.
Police Call for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Toby Elcock said: “We are linking these two crimes based on the similar description. If you were near Ladbrokes on Butts Road Sunday night or around Bitterne Road precinct Monday morning and saw a man fitting this description, please come forward.”
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44160182703 for the Ladbrokes incident or 44160183308 for the cash-in-transit robbery.
