A thug with a knife was trying to rob a corner shop when he was interrupted by a man who wanted to buy a drink.
Bizarre CCTV footage captured the moment a shopper casually pushed aside the balaclava he was wearing so he could pay for his item.
Police are still searching for the thief following the terrifying incident at the Shopping Basket store in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, on December 17.
In the video you can see the criminal walking outside the store.With his hands in his pockets and a covering over his face before entering the store at around 8.45am
He then threatens a clerk by asking her for cash at the register, but she refuses.
A large knife can clearly be seen in the man’s hand, but he drops it as soon as a customer enters the store.
The robber is then seen standing at the counter talking to the member of staff before stepping aside to allow the shopper to reach the checkout to buy a can of fizz.
After failing to get cash, the man puts the knife back in his pocket and steals a bottle of vodka.
A thug with a knife was trying to rob a corner shop when he was interrupted by a man who wanted to buy a drink. Pictured: CCTV footage of the incident.
The man threatens a shop assistant and demands cash at the register, but she refuses. A large knife can clearly be seen in the man’s hand, but he drops it as soon as a customer enters the store.
The store worker was shaken but unharmed.
Anyone who recognizes the man dressed in black with a white logo on top and a gray mask is asked to report it via the Cambridgeshire Police website using reference 35/91050/24.
It comes when, in 2023, a would-be thief had an awkward encounter when he attempted to rob a nail salon in Atlanta, but failed miserably as staff and customers ignored his pleas to get on the floor and give him all their money.
Video of the incident shows a man with his hand in a bag entering before shouting: “Get on the ground!” and ‘Give me your money!’ to a group of women, who appear to be clients and employees.
Nobody moved.
The women continue to go about their business, ignoring the thief’s demands.
Bizarre footage captured the moment a shopper casually pushed aside the balaclava the yob was wearing so he could pay for his item. This image shows the man entering the shop in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.
In the video the offender can be seen pacing outside the store with his hands in his pockets and covering his face before entering the store at around 8.45am.
CCTV footage shows the man entering the lounge wearing a blue hat, sunglasses and blue trousers, with his hands in his bag.
When the workers ignored him, the criminal changed tactics and approached a man working behind a counter.
Instead of handing over the money, the employee, who was not bothered, answered the ringing phone and walked away.
Finally, one of the women stood up, raised her hands, and walked out slowly.
The defeated thief decided to abort the mission when he realized that his hopes of walking away with cash were fruitless.
He then stood in the middle of the store looking desperate as he took one last look around before giving up and leaving empty-handed.