Police in hunt for Buckfast knife thug
COPS are hunting a thug who held a shopkeeper at knifepoint to steal a bottle of Buckfast.
The man, armed with a bladed weapon, threatened a 59-year-old shopkeeper before making off with a large bottle of the tonic wine.
He was caught on CCTV and police have now released images in a bid to catch the crook who subjected the store worker to a “frightening experience”.
The incident happened at the Londis store on Motherwell St, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, on Sunday, October 22.
The thug was able to flee down the town’s Drumbathie Road.
He is described as white, in his mid-20s, 5ft 10in, of medium build, with short receding hair, which is shaven at the sides. He also has a distinctive tattoo on his neck featuring writing and symbols.
The man was wearing a yellow high visibility jacket, a dark coloured PUMA hooded top, dark trousers and grey trainers.
Detective Constable Joe Todd, of Coatbridge CID, said: “Thankfully the shopkeeper was not injured.
“Whilst only one bottle of alcohol may have been taken from the shop, to be threatened with a knife by someone is a very frightening experience.
“Officers are currently checking CCTV from the shop and the street and carrying out door to door inquiries.
“However, I would appeal to anyone who either may recognise the description of the man or who has any information that will assist officers with their inquiries to contact Coatbridge CID on 101.
“Please quote incident number 3197/22/10/17 when calling. Details can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Buckfast is a drink with a chequered past owing largely to both its high alcohol and caffeine content.
Since 2014, the drink has been linked to more than 6500 reports of antisocial behaviour and violence in Scotland.
And in 2015, the Scottish Prison Service reported that more than 43 per cent of inmates had consumed Buckfast before their last offence, despite accounting for less than one per cent of Scotland’s total alcohol sales.