Armed jewel raider caught on camera

Sean O’Riordan

The robber threatened two female staff at the shop in Cork City with a knife, but panicked and fled empty-handed when one of them defended herself with a chair.

Detectives investigating the case have been unable to identify the culprit, despite the fact that the incident occurred last April. However, they are convinced that he is Irish and probably from Cork.

Shortly before 5pm on April 2, a lone raider walked into Minihan’s Jewellers in the city’s North Main Street.

“He produced a knife and became very aggressive. He made threats and told them to back off,” a garda spokesman said.

“One of the ladies picked up a stool to defend herself and at this point the man fled empty-handed in the direction of South Main Street.”

Detectives said staff were deeply traumatised by the incident, even though it only lasted a few seconds.

Gardaí examined video footage from the general area and are appealing for the public’s assistance. They were told by staff that they believed the man had a Cork accent.

The man is described as being around 5ft 10ins and of medium build.

“He is probably in his 20s or 30s and although he was clean shaven he had what could be described as a weather-beaten face. He was wearing a light-coloured jacket.”

Detectives at the Bridewell Garda Station in Cork are appealing for anybody with information about the attempted robbery to contact them at [phone].