| Four of the raids occurred over the weekend, while the fifth happened a week ago at a newsagent’s shop in Hospital Street.
All of the incidents involve a single male robber with a knife who has demanded cash from his victims.
Police today said the robberies were being treated on an individual basis, but said it was possible they were carried out by the same man.
The first of the weekend robberies occurred at Haddows, in Albert Street, at around 10 pm on Friday.
The raider, who had been seen loitering in the area, entered the off-licence and brandished a knife at staff. He was given a three-figure sum before making off along Park Avenue towards Baxter Park.
Three further armed robberies occurred within a short time-frame in the Linlathen and Fintry areas last night.
The first occurred at 8.35 pm when a man, whose face was partially disguised by a scarf, entered a licensed grocer’s in Pitkerro Road.
He presented a weapon to the 54-year-old shop owner and demanded money, but ran off with a small amount of confectionery when his cash bid proved fruitless.
Two hours later, in Fintry Drive, a taxi driver was approached by a “shifty” looking man.
The man entered the cab, asked to be taken to Charleston and then brandished a knife at the 55-year-old driver and demanded money.
He was again unsuccessful in his robbery attempt and fled from the cab. He was last seen at the junction of Finlarig Terrace and Fintry Road.
Minutes later, a 53-year-old takeaway delivery driver was assaulted in Fintryside. The driver was returning to his vehicle when he was approached by a man carrying a weapon.
He was bundled to the ground and his assailant made off with a three-figure sum of money.
The robber is described as being 18 to 25, 5 ft 9 in, of slim build, with high cheekbones, prominent eyebrows and a spotty face. He was wearing a dark woollen hat, dark jacket and dark trousers or jeans.
The description is similar to that given for the Haddows raid and the incident at the grocer’s in Pitkerro Road. Similarities have also been identified with the previous incident at the Hospital Street newsagent.
Anyone with information or recognises the description of the man, should contact CID on 591916, or speak to any officer.
Information can also be passed via the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111. |
