A manhunt has been launched to capture a suspected robber who has hit 11 premises over 11 days in Greater Manchester… armed only with a hand-written note.
Officers want to trace Peter Thomas, 27, in connection with a string of armed robberies at businesses predominately in the Stockport area of Greater Manchester.
Police believe the same man is responsible for 15 robberies, four of which occurred initially in the Lancashire area and the remainder in the Bolton, Stockport and Cheadle areas, since August 16.
On the majority of occasions, the offender calmly queued up then produced a handwritten note claiming he has a gun and demanding money from the cashier otherwise he will use the weapon.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heslop from Greater Manchester Police said: “The number of robberies this man has committed in such a short space of time means catching him is an absolute priority for us.
“We have circulated a picture of a man we want to speak to and I would urge anyone who has information about his whereabouts to call us.
“I would also ask businesses, particularly in the Stockport and Cheadle areas, to be on their guard and take a good look at the picture and if you see this man in your shop, please call police immediately.”
William Hill bookmakers in Adswood is the latest premise to be targeted, after it was robbed yesterday.
Restaurants, convenience stores and off-licences are among the businesses that have also been targeted.
No-one has been physically injured during the robberies although staff are said to have been been badly ‘shaken up’.
Police have now released a picture of Thomas and are appealing to anyone who knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Anyone with information should call police on 999, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Brady, via Flickr, with thanks.
