Detectives from Merseyside Police are appealing for information from the public following a robbery at an optician in Tuebrook. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 1st, just before 9.30am at Tuebrook Eyecare on West Derby Road.
According to reports, a man entered the store and requested to try on designer sunglasses from a locked cabinet. The assistant complied and opened the cabinet for the man. However, instead of trying on just one or two pairs, the man took a total of seven glasses from the cabinet. The assistant, fearing violence, did not intervene as the offender left the store with the stolen eyewear.
A member of the public heard the commotion and witnessed the incident. After the assistant reported the robbery, the witness saw the man throw one pair of glasses at the store’s doorway before fleeing the scene.
Detective Inspector Michael Fletcher expressed concern for the victim, who was left in a state of shock but thankfully not physically harmed. He emphasised that robbery from a business is not a victimless crime and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The police have released a CCTV image of a man they believe could assist in their investigation. Detective Inspector Fletcher stated, “We are determined to catch the suspect responsible so they can’t target anyone else.” He encouraged anyone who recognises the man or has information related to the incident to contact Merseyside Police via X (@MerPolCC), Facebook (Merseyside Police Contact Centre), or by calling 101 with reference number 24000399586.
Additionally, individuals can provide anonymous tips by contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.