A MAN who robbed a Mount Gambier chemist at gunpoint on Thursday night remains at large as police continue to look for clues relating to the brazen incident.
The man – described as 50-years-old and wearing a full-bodied blue disposable suit and green face mask – entered Chemist King Mount Gambier in Collins Court on Jubilee Highway West just before 7pm.
He threatened staff with what appeared to be a handgun, before fleeing the scene on foot with a small amount of prescription drugs.
Mount Gambier Police officers attended the scene and searched the surrounding area, however the suspect could not be located.
Limestone Coast Police acting officer in charge Operations Inspector Campbell Hill labelled the incident as brazen and traumatic.
“It is a disgusting act – chemists are there to help people and incidents like these are not expected and are very concerning,” Insp Hill said.
“We are following up a number of lines of enquiry and ask anyone with any information to come forward.”
Insp Hill said police have information the man was moving around the surrounding area of the chemist for around 15 to 20 minutes before the robbery took place.
“We ask anyone who may have been in the area of Jubilee Highway West and McGregor Street from 6.25pm to 7pm on Thursday evening to come forward,” Insp Hill said.
He said police were treating the firearm as real, with no evidence to suggest otherwise.
“It was described as a dark firearm and we are treating it as a genuine threat,” he said.
“Whether it is real or not, the fact someone is willing to use a handgun to carry out this sort of crime is concerning.”
There were no injuries reported and two of the Chemist King staff members threatened in the incident were back at work on Friday.
Insp Hill praised the staff for how they handled the situation in the face of a real threat.
“They were definitely brave and because of that they were able to make clever choices,” he said.
“They did not fight back or argue … the situation did not escalate.”
Mount Gambier Police were back at the scene Friday checking security cameras and door-knocking nearby houses in search of clues.
Insp Hill said police will continue to work around the clock to try and locate the suspect involved.
“Within the Limestone Coast we have a low crime rate, so we understand how incidents like this can send a shockwave through the community,” he said.
“We will be making a sustained effort to achieve a resolution.”
He also issued a warning to the community about the dangers surrounding unregulated prescription drugs.
“There are serious risks associated with taking drugs that have not been prescribed,” he said.
“There is now an unregulated amount in the community and we urge people not to accept or purchase prescription drugs unlawfully.”
Chemist King Mount Gambier were contacted by The Border Watch, however declined to comment on the circumstances at this early stage.
People with information relating to Thursday night’s robbery are urged to report it online at www.crimerstopperssa.com.au or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
