A Southampton man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery following two separate incidents at convenience stores in the city earlier this week.
Hampshire police confirmed a 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class A drug, following the incidents that took place in Shirley and Freemantle on Wednesday (9) morning.
Officers were called shortly after 7am to a report that a man had entered the Co-op store on Shirley Road and threatened staff, though no items were taken.
Police were called again at 7.20am to a report that a man had entered the One Stop store on Park Road in Freemantle and threatened staff before stealing £200.
No injuries were reported at either incident.
The One Stop store had to remain closed with officers swarming the site after the incident.
A local told Daily Echo that crime incidents like these have lately become very common and happen almost weekly.
A retail worker who works across the street at Best-One told Daily Echo, “I'd say on a weekly basis someone tries to steal something from the One Stop. I've been in there myself when someone has taken a pack of beer and just walked out.
“They used to have security in the store but a few months ago they got rid of them. It's bad that these types of incidents happen because nobody wants to be in that position."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said, “We have arrested a man in connection with two robberies at shops in Southampton yesterday morning (Wednesday, April 9).
“We were called at 7.13am to a report that a man had entered the Shirley Road Co-op store on Foyes Corner and threatened staff. The man left a short time later, nothing was taken.
“We were called again at 7.20am to a report that a man had entered the One Stop store on Park Road and threatened staff before stealing £200. No injuries were reported on either occasion.
“An investigation has been launched, and we have now arrested a 51-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class A drug.
"He remains in police custody as our enquiries progress today."