Additional reporting by Millie Bowles
Shop workers were allegedly threatened with a firearm in two separate robberies at newsagents on Boxing Day.
Police patrols were first called to reports of an incident at Costcutter in Hythe Road, Willesborough, at around 8.30am yesterday (December 26).
A shopworker was left screaming and was so traumatised by the incident that she had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
Less than an hour later, they were sent to the Premier store in St Katherine’s Crescent, Sellindge, at around 9.15am.
It is reported that a man entered both premises, where it is alleged shop workers were threatened with a firearm before cash and cigarettes were stolen.
Later the same day, a suspect was arrested by armed officers, and a BB gun and a quantity of cash were seized.
Shiju Thomas, the owner of the Costcutter, says the robbery has left neighbours worried and his staff “mentally injured”.
He told KentOnline: “She (the shop worker) started screaming, and he left quickly”.
“She called me, and I informed the police. I’m only five minutes away from the shop. When I reached there, I reassured my staff.
“I said, it’s okay, you’ve done a very good job. I appreciate her.
“All of a sudden, the special police team arrived there. I think it was a quick response. It only took three to five minutes.
“Then they started to search, and I helped them get all the CCTV footage.
“Police contacted the ambulance people, and they took her to the hospital as well. She was not physically injured, but mentally.
“She has been working there for 24 years.”
Mr Thomas – who took over the shop two years ago – says the crime has concerned the local community.
“Everyone is scared. Elderly people are living here.
“Unfortunately, the neighbourhood today, all of them are coming in, and they are also worried about this incident.
“I’ve also been living in this same place for 20 years. I’ve never had this experience before. But our concern is that we are not secure.
“That’s a bad feeling we’re getting.”
People living near the shops reported seeing several police cars in the area and officers conducting door-to-door inquiries.
Speaking to KentOnline, Tony, who did not wish to give his surname, but who lives in Hythe Road, said his wife alerted him to what was going on yesterday morning.
He said: “I just looked out the window and I saw two armed response officers and an ambulance. I did not know what was going on.
“Everyone is scared. Elderly people are living here…”
“A short while after, a marked police car appeared with another two officers, and they were waiting inside and watching.
“The armed response officers disappeared after a while, and then the other officers were there all day.”
Tony said that the Costcutter was shut for the whole day and cones had been put across the front doors.
A 39-year-old man has since been charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of committing a robbery whilst in possession of an imitation firearm, possession of cannabis, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Anthony Ponter, of no fixed address, has been remanded in custody and will appear before Margate Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
