Bogus 'Business Protection' Knifeman Robbed Waitrose Of £18,000

An audacious robber, who posed as a business protection representative, made off with £18,000 from a supermarket safe after tricking his way in.

Armed with a knife the suspect threatened a member of staff at the closed Waitrose, Notting Hill Gate early in the morning.

Officers were called on Sunday, October 28, last year to the store.

The robber, believed to be between 25 and 35 years-old, knocked on the front door of the store before it was open and asked to be let in.

He claimed he was from business protection and showed his ID.

He was escorted up the stairs to an office by a member of staff and produced a knife.

The suspect locked the door of the office and demanded the staff member open the safe.

He took out more than £18,000 in cash, which he put into his bag before leaving the premises.

Police have now released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

He was wearing dark clothing at the time of the robbery and carrying a rucksack.

Detective Constable Alison Kelly, part of the Central West Command Unit based at Westminster, said: "This was a terrifying incident for the victim and we are doing all we can to ensure no one else goes through the same ordeal.

"We are asking anyone who knows this man or who was in the area around the time of the robbery to come forward and help us with our investigation."

Anyone with information should call 101 with CAD reference 2195/28OCT18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also tweet information to @MetCC.