KNIFE RAID TERROR
DAVID CAMPBELL
This is the terrifying moment an armed raider targeted an ice cream shop worker in a botched robbery bid.
The knifeman burst behind the counter at Dessert Rush, in the west end of Paisley, before assaulting the woman in a desperate attempt to grab cash from the till.
Thankfully, the Well Street shop’s delivery driver spotted the thug and helped throw
him out empty-handed.
The frightening armed robbery bid at the ice cream parlour on Wednesday night followed a break-in at cake and sweets shop Scoops, in Paisley’s Glasgow Road, the previous night.
Scoops owners David and Paula Gilchrist are counting the cost of the break-in as the cash register was taken along with the sugary goodies.
Paula said: “It is a real shock.
“They have taken two cakes, a victoria sponge and a dark chocolate cheesecake.
“They took some ice cream tubs and jars of sweets.
“In a way you can understand taking a TV or something like that but to steal cakes and sweets is just bizarre.
“There is a lot of damage to the rear door, and we will have to replace the till.”
The husband-and-wife team took the shop on in October last year and say the raid is a real setback to the business.
Paula continued: “We are a small business trying to make a livelihood.
“It has been really hectic since it happened and we have been trying to get everything sorted so we can stay open.”
Police in Paisley, who are not linking the two crimes, have appealed for witnesses to help track down those responsible.
Chief Inspector Simon Wright, Paisley’s area commander, said: “We are investigating a break-in at Scoops around 11.55pm on Tuesday night.
“Goods from the shop were taken and damage was caused to the shop.
“Two men were seen at the rear of the shop and we are keen to trace who they are.
“We are also investigating an assault with intent to rob at Dessert Rush around 9.20pm on Wednesday night.
“If you have any information at all in relation to these incidents, then I would urge you to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.