Thugs target off-licence owner

9:16am Monday 13th August 2001

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery on a Beckenham off-licence.

Two men entered Unwins on Kenthouse Road armed with a three-inch knife on August 7 at 9.20pm while the shop assistant was in the stock room.

As he walked behind the till to serve the men he was punched to the floor. The two men then locked the shop door and demanded money from the till.

Some cash and a quantity of cigarettes and alcohol were seized in the raid before the pair made a swift escape through the rear of the premises. It is believed they then clambered into a waiting vehicle and sped off.

The first man is described as a black man, aged about 20, who was 6ft 1in, with cropped hair and speaking with a London accent. He was wearing a black hooded top and dark trousers.

The second man was black, about the same height and of medium build.

A police spokesman said: “This was a serious crime and we urge anyone with information to come forward. We would appeal to anyone who saw the men either entering or leaving the premises or making their get away in a car.”

Call the crime desk on 020 8313 1212 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.