Camberley betting shop robbed

A BETTING shop in Camberley was the target of a robbery at the weekend.

Cashiers at Ladbrokes in Park Street handed over coins and notes after a robber entered the branch at 12.20pm on Saturday.

Staff were made to believe he was carrying a weapon and handed over the cash before the robber made a getaway.

One customer is believed to have attempted to catch the culprit by grabbing his jacket but failed.

Three men and a youth have been charged with conspiracy to commit robberies.

All four are accused of planning to rob William Hill, Coral and Ladbrokes bookmakers between January 17 to 26.

Stewart Robinson, 24, of Plummer Road, London and the youth appeared at Guildford Magistrates Court this morning (January 28) for committal proceedings to crown court.

The court heard how three males were seen on CCTV by the Coral betting shop in Woodbridge Hill, Guildford on January 17 at 11.35am.

Three days later a youth walked into the bookmakers but left after he was asked to show proof of age.

He waited outside for two minutes before re-entering the shop and questioned why he had to show identification.

He then left the shop before returning again, this time with a five inch blade in his waistband with which he threatened the cashier demanding money.

The shop manager activated a panic alarm and two customers threatened the suspect with two metal chairs causing him to leave.

At 10.22am on Saturday, January 26 the William Hill betting shop in Guildford High Street was targeted and a cashier was told to hand over cash.

Believing the assailant had a weapon, the staff member handed over £260 cash.

At 12.20pm on Saturday, January 26, Ladbrokes betting shop in Park Street, Camberley was targeted.

Staff, again believing the robber had a weapon hidden in his trousers, gave him cash. As he ran from the shop a customer attempted to tackle him by grabbing his jacket, but failed.

Four men were later arrested.