Second ‘carrier bag’ attack on shops: Man charged in connection with two robberies

Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft

Yesterday at around 9.20am officers were called to Bells Mini-Mart in Belswains Lane to reports a man had gone into the shop wearing a carrier bag on his head, and

attempted to take money while pointing a knife at a member of staff. No money was taken.

Police had already been investigating an incident which occurred at around 8.45am at the Day One store in Bennetts Gate on May 9, when a man wearing the same unusual disguise of a carrier bag brandished a knife at a shop assistant, and succeeded in taking money from the till.

No-one was injured on either occasion.

Luke Martin, 27, from Peascroft Road, was arrested in relation to the earlier crime in August of this year, following a national TV appeal for information on BBC’s Crimewatch.

He had remained on police bail while officers gathered more evidence, and was next due to appear at Watford Police Station on January 3.

Mr Martin has now been charged with robbery, criminal attempt and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in relation to both attacks, and is due to appear at Hatfield Remand Court today.

Anyone who has any information about yesterday’s alleged incident is asked to call the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting e crime reference number D1/14/7666.