[09 FEB 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Knife Threat Made By Off-Licence Robber

A youth armed with a knife stole cash and cigarettes from a Coventry off-licence after threatening a woman serving in the small shop.

The incident happened at Wints Wines in Mayfield Road, Earlsdon, at about 6pm yesterday.

The youth, described as white, aged between 15 and 17, entered the shop and went behind the counter, producing a knife.

He held the knife in front of the 60-year-old female assistant and then stole cash from the till and made off.

He is believed to have got away with about £60 and eight or ten packets of cigarettes.

He is about 5ft 8ins, of thin build and wore a dark woolly hat and scarf, a dark waist-length jacket and dark jeans.

The assistant was not injured, but very distraught and shaken. It is the second time in recent months that the small business has been targeted by crooks, but on the first occasion the robbers fled empty-handed.

Police at Chace Avenue are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information to contact them on 024 7653 9040.

SEE [22 JUN 00] EARLSDON OFF-LICENCE STANDS FIRM AGAINST RAIDERS