Frustrated gambler robs games arcade - Walkden

A frustrated gambler who rushed an arcade worker and stole cash is being sought by police.

Officers have now issued CCTV footage of the robber in a bid to help catch him.

At about 5.30pm on Thursday, 8 December 2011, the offender was in the gaming centre, in Walkden, and had made a number of failed attempts to win cash from a one-armed bandit.

He appeared to become increasingly frustrated with his failure to win and approached the woman behind the counter, claiming the machine was broken.

He then briefly left the arcade, but returned moments later and rushed up behind the staff member and pushed her into the office.

He then pushed her onto the floor and demanded she handed over keys to a safe. He then stole a quantity of cash and ran out of the arcade.

The woman was not injured in the incident but left very distressed.

Officers have now issued moving footage taken from the arcade's CCTV. It shows the offender repeatedly pushing coins into the slot machine before attacking the woman.

Detective Constable Horace Bell, of Swinton Volume Crime Team, said: "This man clearly got agitated as he lost money to the slot machine again and again.

"However, his growing frustration was no excuse for what happened next. He took his anger out on the victim, pushing her to the floor and stealing cash.

"The CCTV footage is good quality and I am confident that someone will recognise him. If you know who this man is than please get in touch"

Anyone with information is asked to call Swinton Volume Crime Team on 0161 856 5250/5231 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Robbery
• Crime
• Arcade Game
• Gambler
• Greater Manchester Police
• Walkden
• Salford
• Theft
• Appeal
• CCTV
• Robber
• Security
• Security Camera
• Closed-circuit Television
• Criminal
• Law Enforcement
• UL Police