Robber steals till and smashes window to escape from One Stop in Portsmouth

Police were called to the scene of the robbery at the One Stop store in Copnor Road at 8.41am today.

A man entered the shop, threatened staff, and snatched the till – before realising that the door at the front of the premises had locked, leaving him potentially trapped inside.

A spokeswoman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘A man entered the store and made threats to staff before stealing the till. As he went to make off the deadlock system activated locking the main door, he then smashed through a glass pane to leave the store as the door had locked.’

A second man was reported to be waiting outside with bikes.

‘Officers will be in the area conducting enquiries.’

The remains of the broken window have been removed from the top of the door at the store’s entrance, and police tape has been placed around the entrance.

Police said that the suspect was described as a man with a large build. He was wearing a black hoody, black trousers, a Nike bag, and a brown balaclava.

The spokeswoman added: ‘Were you in the area at the time? Perhaps you recognise the man in this image?

‘We understand that the image isn’t very clear, however we are hoping someone who knows him will recognise his clothing.’

Staff at the store declined to comment.

Anyone with information can phone 101 with reference 44210217261. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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