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This England

Published 06 November 2008

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This England

Cops and . . . er . . . robbers

The robbers, believed to be a gang of eastern Europeans, conned their way into Haverstock Hill's up-market Budgens at 8am on Sunday by disguising themselves as police.

A member of staff was pushed to the floor, handcuffed and had a bag put over his head. But the robbers locked him in an office with a telephone and the victim simply called 999. The robbers ran off penniless when they realised their gaffe.

Budgens manager, Andrew Thornton, said: "If four policeman are shouting 'Open up the door' you think 'I better let them in'."

Ham & High (Ron Rubin)

No room at the pub

A great-grandfather who has raised £42,000 for charity through sponsored walks was ordered to leave a pub he stopped at while out rambling because he was wearing a tracksuit.

Eric Perks, 75, had spent the afternoon wandering around Wyre Forest with his wife Pat, 74.

Staff told him his blue tracksuit and casual shoes were not smart enough and could encourage hoodie-wearing youngsters to congregate there.

Daily Telegraph (David Harling)

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