A SHOP manager has spoken of his horror after three masked men raided his store wielding knives in a terrifying attack.

Police have now linked the robbery at the VCR Food and Wine at Oxford Road in Littlemore, Oxford, with another incident which took place just six days later in the Marston area.

In both attacks a gang of three men entered the shops armed with weapons including what looks like a machete and stole bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey. 

Oxford Mail:

Store manager at at Littlemore’s VCR Antonet Valentine (pictured) recalled the ordeal yesterday and said that although he had seen a spike in thefts in the area in recent weeks robberies like the one he experienced were rare.

It happened on November 24 but Thames Valley Police only released the information yesterday. 

Mr Valentine told the Oxford Mail: “Three people rushed into the shop, one man was carrying a big knife and went to the alcohol area.

“One of them asked me if I would open the till to try and take some money. Then one of them tried to grab the instant lottery tickets before they left.

“The whole thing lasted about two minutes.”

Oxford Mail:

Dramatic CCTV footage (pictured) from the ordeal shows a man threaten Mr Valentine while another man carrying a large knife leers over the counter.

The 56-year old shop manager said that the robbery was the third that had taken place at his shop since he first began trading eight years ago.

Mr Valentine said £50 cash was also taken and added: “I was very scared and I am relieved that I am OK. I called the police and they came immediately - in about five minutes.

“I feel a little scared but I will be more vigilant, I try to avoid trouble.

“Before it happened, every day a shop here is being broken into. 

“This year it has happened something like 50 times. It is 16-20 year olds mainly. The police said they are looking at the CCTV, they said they hope they might find them.

“I would say to others to be very vigilant at this time of year to stay safe.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward after the two robberies.

Oxford Mail:

The first robbery at the VCR Food and Wine store took place at 9.50pm on November 24 and the second happened on Wednesday November 30 at the Londis store at Marston Road.

In both incidents the trio were masked and wearing gloves and the offenders stole bottles of Jack Daniels before fleeing.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Kevin Parsons said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened or anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area of the two shops at around the time of the robberies.

“Thankfully no one was injured during the incidents however the members of staff were understandably concerned by the incidents.

“I would also like to appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist the investigation to come forward and speak to police.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.