A brave shopkeeper used a mop to fight off an armed robber thought to be behind a string of similar thefts.
CCTV footage, released by police, shows the suspect, dressed in a bright orange jumper and holding a knife, grab the till from the shop counter.
It falls to the floor and as the man, whose face is mostly obscured by his hood, attempts to open the till the shopkeeper jabs the mop head at him.
The suspect leaves but then comes back and appears to take the money.
The robbery took place at a Best One shop in Derby, Derbyshire on October 5 and police suspect the man is also responsible for six other raids on shops in the area.
Two of them also happened in Derby on October 5 – with all occurring between 6pm and 9.32pm.
The suspect was described as wearing a bright orange jumper and black trousers.
A shop in Derby was targeted the following day and on October 14 a store in Ilkeston was robbed.
Two further incidents took place this week in Derby – with the suspect wearing dark clothing with a navy hood.
No one has yet been physically hurt during the robberies.
Derbyshire Police is offering a £1,000 reward to anyone offering information that greatly assists the investigation.
Chief inspector Chris Thornhill said: ‘These offences have understandably caused concern and a team of detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry in an effort to bring the man responsible to justice.
‘I know there are people in the community who know who this man is – and they know that the right thing to do is to come forward.
‘We have thankfully seen nobody physically hurt in the incidents so far, but any person who is willing to arm themselves with a knife is putting our community at serious risk.
‘We are increasing both our uniformed and plain clothes patrols in the city – as well as armed response officers including potential targets as part of their patrol strategies.
‘I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward as soon as possible.’
Contac the force by quoting reference 24000595055.
To remain anonymous call independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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