*UPDATE 7/1/09*  Our neighbourhood police inspector will attend the next area committee meeting on 20 January to report on the level of crime in the Headington area

Thames Valley Police Press Release 6/1/09: Armed robbery – Headington

Police are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery in Headington yesterday (5/1).At around 5.05pm, a man walked into Lloyds bank, London Road, just as it was closing and ran behind the counter and demanded money.

He is white and was wearing camouflage trousers and a jacket with a grey hooded top and had his face covered.

Det Insp Simon Morton, leading the investigation, said: “The offender was carrying what was described as a white Uzi gun, which the staff did not believe was genuine.

“He got away with around £1,000 in cash and made off on a bicycle.

“We are linking this incident to two armed robberies at Betfred in London Road on Monday 29 December and Saturday (3/1) and two others at Threshers in Old High Street on Monday 29 December and Sunday (4/1).

“Do you recognise a man of this description? Were you in Headington yesterday and saw a man acting suspiciously? Do you think you know who is responsible for these robberies? If you do, please contact police immediately.

“I would like to reassure the public that we have got a team of detectives working on this series of armed robberies to identify the person responsible.”

Anyone with information that could assist police enquiries is urged to contact Det Insp Morton via Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police and don’t want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.