Detectives probing two ‘gunpoint’ raids of bookmakers in Northampton are now linking the heists with two armed robberies elsewhere in the county.
Police say they are now appealing for witnesses following four armed robberies at bookmakers, which they believe to be linked.
On Saturday, robberies were carried out at the BetFred shop, in Kettering Road, at around 6.20pm, and then at Ladbrokes, in Fish Street, at about 7pm.
However, police have now said they are linking a robbery at Ladbrokes, in Midland Road, Wellingborough, on Wednesday, February 13, at 6.30pm, with the two in Northampton.
A fourth, and the most recent, happened at BetFred, in Dalkeith Place, Kettering, at 8.30pm last night.
Detective Inspector Ali Reynolds said they believed the same man is behind all four raids.
He said: “There are similarities in the way the crimes were carried out in all four robberies and the description of the offender is the same - a black man, of stocky build, between 5ft 5in and 5ft 9in and in his 20s.
“We would like to speak with anyone who saw anything they feel may be relevant around the times of the robberies or anyone who witnesses anything suspicious in the future.”
In both Northampton robberies a weapon was used in a bid to get money and in the second, police have confirmed a gun was used.
The first robbery happened at BetFred in Kettering Road, when a man entered the shop, threw a bag at the cashier and demanded money, claiming he had a weapon.
The shop assistant did not have any money and immediately went to the cubicle door to ensure it was locked. The robber then left the shop.
The second robbery happened at Ladbrokes, in Fish Street, when a man entered the shop, threatened staff with what appeared to be a gun and demanded money.
Staff handed over a small quantity of cash and the man left.
Anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101, alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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