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A shop assistant has been dubbed “Wonder Woman” after chasing a knife-wielding robber out of her store – with a bottle of water.
Samares Stores worker Aurelia had been working behind the till on Friday evening when a hooded man entered the shop shortly before 18:00.
Police say that he demanded money from her and brandished a knife, but left the shop empty-handed without anyone being hurt.
CCTV footage released by the shop has now revealed just why the attempted robber was not successful in his efforts – he was scared away by brave Aurelia and a two-litre bottle of Highland Spring he had pretended to buy.
Video: The moment the brave Samares Stores worker took on the attempted robber. (Samares Stores/SOJP)
Arriving around 17:50, the man then spent around six minutes hanging around the store and speaking to the shop worker. When she moves away from the till, he scopes out the cash register, before drawing a knife and demanding money when she returns.
Aurelia then tells him she has already called the Police, pointing out the window and telling him that a noise outside is officers on their way. In an apparent moment of panic, the video then shows the villain pushing the knife back into his pocket and glancing to the right.
As he looks away, Aurelia can be seen snatching the bottle from across the counter before raising it above her head and thrusting it towards her armed aggressor.
The worker then moves swiftly from behind the counter, appearing to exchange words with the attempted assailant, who rapidly flees the store.
Appearing to make sure he has well and truly cleared the scene, Aurelia – still holding the bottle - follows shortly after.
The video of the heroic deed has now been viewed more than 15,000 times on social media. Samares Stores and islanders have since lauded Aurelia’s rapid response.
Her employer commented: “Aurelia who was on duty was amazing. She chased him out of the shop with a 2 litre bottle of water. What a hero.”
Others likened her to “Wonder Woman”, stating that she “deserves a medal.” One islander stated “Frame that bottle”, while another called for the retail assistant to be “put… on the new pound note!”
“Real heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes all they need is a bottle of Evian,” local satire page ‘Not the Jersey Police’ said.
Pictured: Samares Stores, which is near FB Fields. (Google Maps)
Another praised her for more than just her robber-chasing: “lovely lady so friendly and helpful.”
But perhaps most impressive was the fact that, according to one commenter, Aurelia was back behind the counter the very next day. “Went in today and she’s there working! So brave,” they said.
Inspector Craig Jackson also piled in with praise, adding: "This was a brazen attempt at robbery which was carried out in the daylight with a lot of people around. The store worker was incredibly brave in her actions despite being faced with a knife. She is now being supported by officers and her colleagues."
Police are still hunting for the attempted robber, who wore a grey tracksuit, white trainers and a black hat during the incident. They believe he might have been wearing a dark hooded jacket when walking in the area between 17:20 and 18:00 before entering the store.
They are appealing to those who had may have been in the shop around the time to contact them, as well as anyone who may have witnessed or have information pertaining to their investigation. In particular, they would like to speak to:
Islanders who spot the male in public have been advised not to approach him, but to immediately call the Police.
Reports can be made to Police on 612612 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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