Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Shop owner stands up to ‘brew money’ thief
A 79-YEAR-OLD Dundee shop owner grappled with a thief who stole scratchcards, claiming he was owed cash because he didn’t get his “brew money”.
Dave Forbes stood toe to toe with the shoplifter who pushed his way behind the counter of Forbes Newsagents on Clepington Road.
Mr Forbes said items behind the cash register “went flying” as he attempted to apprehend the man, described as being in his 30s.
He said the assailant finally fled the scene on Monday with up to £1,000 worth of scratchcards.
Mr Forbes said it was the first incident of its kind after running the premises for nearly 30 years.
He added: “I thought it was pathetic when he hit out that brew line, he said the ‘government were due him’.
“He pushed his way behind the counter and grabbed a few scratchcards
“We’ve had the odd shoplifter in our time, but nothing of this nature before.
“Adrenaline sort of took over, and I got a hold of him before he went back over the counter.
“It must have gone on for a few minutes, he was behind the counter three times in total.
“One time he told me he went back (behind the counter) because he dropped his phone – I was on the phone to the police during this.
“It’s hard to estimate how many cards he ended up getting away with, but they were £5 cards he took, it could have been around £1,000 worth.
“I’m annoyed I couldn’t keep him for just a bit longer as the police were arriving just as he fled out the store.”
Mr Forbes said he felt the assailant perhaps thought he would be an “easy target” given his age.
He added: “The police have taken CCTV from the shop, the guy must have been around 5ft 10 in height and was a lot younger than me.
“My family said I probably shouldn’t have gotten involved, but I have no regrets about the action I took.
“Maybe he thought I’d be an easy target given my age.
“Officers were advising me this was the fourth incident of this nature in recent times.
“He had his hood up, but his face wasn’t covered, the guy bolted towards the direction of Arklay Street as the police gave chase.”
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.