Knife man raiding chemists across Elmbridge

Mar 9 2010 By Vicki Eltis

Boots in Weybridge high street

A KNIFE-weilding robber is targeting pharmacies across Elmbridge stealing cash and prescription drugs, say police.

Stores in Weybridge, Molesey, Esher and Claygate have all been targeted with a quantity of the sedative drug Diazepam, used to treat anxiety, insomnia or heroin and alcohol related withdrawal symptoms, being stolen during each linked incident.

A burglar broke into Boots in High Street, Weybridge by smashing the window at 7am on Saturday (March 6).

Staff at the Risdon Pharmacy, in The Parade, Claygate, also owned by Boots, were held at knife point when a robber walked into the shop at 3pm on Monday March 1. He demanded £300 in cash and some drugs before making his getaway on a blue mountain bike.

A similar incident also took place at a chemist in Walton Road, Molesey, when staff were threatened by a man wielding a small knife about 5.50pm last Wednesday March 3. He took £270 before making off on foot.

Elmbridge Inspector Richard Haycock said: "This is a highly unusual crime for the borough. It is yet to be established whether the suspect is selling the drugs on or stealing them for himself."

The suspect for all the incidents is described as white, of medium build, in his twenties and with short brown hair.

Principle pharmacist, Sheila Cooke, at St Peter's Hospital said: "We certainly would not recommend any body by prescription medication from anyone other than a reutable pharmacist. People don't know the right dosage and counterfit medication might not have the correct drugs in them."

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage, carrying out house to house inquiries and forensic examinations at all the stores.

A fourth linked incident took place back in February in Esher High Street when a number of medication was also taken. No one has been injured as a result of these crimes.

A Boots spokeswomen would not comment on the incidents.

Anyone with any information should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference EL/10/1648, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.