A hammer-wielding robber hid in a betting shop toilet at closing time before springing out and demanding cash from a terrified worker as she locked up.
The man, described as white, 5ft 11ins and about 40, threatened to attack the Paddy Power staff member with the claw hammer unless she emptied the tills for him.
It happened at the betting shop’s Croydon branch in Lower Addiscombe Road on July 22.
The worker was locking up at 10.20pm, 20 minutes after the shop shut.
It is believed the attacker hid in the toilets for some time to avoid being spotted when the branch was emptied at 10pm.
On Monday police released pictures of a man captured on the shop’s CCTV system who may have information about the robbery.
The Flying Squad’s Det Const Ross Moultrie said: “This was a ruthlessly planned robbery where we believe the venue was targeted specifically.
“The victim remains traumatised by this robbery.”
The woman said her attacker was wearing black trousers, brown shoes and a grey hooded sweatshirt.
Over the top he wore a black puffer jacket with white piping across the shoulders and cuffs, and a small white insignia on the left breast.
He spoke with a Cockney accent.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Met’s Flying Squad on 020 8345 4226 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
