HAVE-A-GO HERO
Brave Sam chases shop raider who was armed with hammer
A have-a-go hero shopkeeper has described how he attacked a hammer-wielding thug who tried to rob him.
The brave owner of Akhtar’s Newsagents in Calderwood, Sam Akhtar, was alone on Thursday morning when he was confronted by the would-be robber who demanded he hand over cash.
But defiant Sam managed to grab the hammer off the youth – who police say was in his late teens – and chased him out the shop. He told the News: “I wasn’t going to let him get any cash off me. I was scared because I was by myself but I work too hard to just let someone take what they want.”
Police in East Kilbride are this week appealing for witnesses to help them track down the failed raider.
A hero newsagent fought back after a hammerwielding thug tried to rob him.
The youth, who police say was in his late teens, demanded cash from the owner of Akhtar’s Newsagents in Alloway Road, Calderwood.
Sam Akhtar, who has run the store for the last 18 years, was alone when the brazen would-be thief came into the shop with his hood pulled over his face.
He demanded cash and brandished the hammer at a stunned Sam who couldn’t believe what was happening.
But the brave shop boss fought back and grabbed the hammer off the youth and challenged him shortly after 11am last Thursday.
The culprit then fled the store and police in East Kilbride are now appealing for the public’s help in tracking him down.
“I have never had any problems in the 18 years I have been here,” Sam told the News.
“I honestly couldn’t believe anyone would target the shop or me like this.
“At first, I though he was joking around but when he started shouting, demanding money and waving the hammer I realised he wasn’t.”
The 47-year-old went on: “It is all a bit of a blur to be honest and it all happened so quickly.
“Of course I was scared, but I think instinct just kicked in.
“Times are hard enough as it is and I work far too hard to just hand over my money. I somehow managed to get the hammer off him and I fought back.
“I had to try and protect myself and I was determined he wasn’t going to get away with anything.”
Sam added: “Eventually he ran off. It is only now that the reality of what happened has set in that I am feeling extremely shaken.
“All my customers are really shocked by what has happened.”
Police have described the culprit as in his late teens and wearing a black hoodie, which he pulled over his face when he entered the shop.
He is of slim build and approximately 5ft 5in tall.
PC Lucie Black, from East Kilbride’s safer communities team, said: “Thankfully, the shop owner was unhurt but left shaken by the incident.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we are appeal for any witnesses to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”