Robbery with a syringe
Armed robbery: a woman held up Swanlee Craft store in Bair Street, Leongatha last Thursday using a syringe she claimed contained blood as a weapon.
A WOMAN wielding a syringe she claimed was filled with blood held up a Leongatha store last Thursday.
Around 2.30pm, the woman entered Swanlee Craft in Bair Street and spent a short time browsing.
She then threatened the shop assistant with a syringe containing liquid and demanded money.
Detective Senior Constable Syd Hadley said the woman was then given an undisclosed amount of money and exited the store.
“She ran across Bair Street to the opposite footpath where she’s fallen over out the front of the pharmacy,” the Bass Coast Criminal Investigation Unit detective said.
“She then decamped along Bair Street to an unknown location.”
Police yesterday (Monday) received information that the woman may have run up McCartin Street, and was nearly hit by a four-wheel-drive.
“She appears to have then gotten into the back of a car down near the pub, near the laneway, and sped off towards Inverloch,” Detective S/C Hadley said.
Police have spoken to a number of witnesses who saw the woman leave the store and walk down the footpath. Police are particularly interested in talking to a witness who spoke to the offender when she fell over, as well as the driver of the car she ran in front of.
Police encourage anyone who saw the offender in either Bair or McCartin streets to contact them immediately.
The victim in Swanlee Craft was not hurt during the ordeal.
Detective S/C Hadley said there was liquid in the syringe and although the offender told the shop assistant it was blood, that was not confirmed.
The woman has been described as in her twenties, of a medium build, fair complexion, Caucasian and wearing a black coloured top and light coloured shoes.
When asked if police thought the robbery was a drug fuelled crime, Detective S/C Hadley said they “don’t know at this stage”.
They currently have a suspect in mind, but in the meantime are interviewing more witnesses.
A nearby trader said it would have been a frightening experience for the shop assistant.
“When I spoke to her the next day, she was still very shaken up,” she said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Wonthaggi Police on 5672 1222.
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