Armed robbery at city centre pawnbrokers linked to earlier attempt

Police are appealing for information in connection with an armed robbery which took place  around 2:40pm yesterday when a man entered the H&T Pawnbrokers on Nicolson Street carrying a hammer. He threatened staff before smashing a number of window display cases and stealing a quantity of high value watches and gold jewellery. He then fled the premises and ran south on Nicolson Street before turning into Gibbs Close.

Police are keen to trace the man as quickly as possible and are appealing for the public’s assistance.

He is described as around 25-30 years-old, with a medium build and 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing black jogging bottoms, a black hooded top pulled up tight around his face and spoke with a local accent. He is also believed to have been wearing goggles or a facemask and dark blue Nike Air Max 95 trainers.

Police are linking the incident with an attempted robbery that happened earlier the same day at the No.1 Currency store on the High Street.

Detective Inspector Grant Johnston of Police Scotland said: “We believe this incident and the attempted robbery on the High Street were carried out by the same individual due to the nature of the crime and the description of the suspect.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I appeal to anyone who was in the area of Nicolson Street around the time of this incident who saw the man or has information relevant to our investigation to please get in touch.

“Thankfully, the actions of this individual did not result in any physical harm to the staff but it was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for them to go through.”

Anyone with information that can assist police with their ongoing enquiries can contact the non-emergency number 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.