Full Breakdown
Edinburgh Knife-Wielding Robber Sentenced to Three Years After CCTV Capture
6/29/2026, 10:23:20 PM
Robbery Incidents and Arrest
Finley Crawshaw, 21, entered a small newsagents on Gorgie Road brandishing a large kitchen knife, demanded cash and cigarettes, and fled after the assistant triggered a panic alarm. Eighteen days later, on 27 November, he returned to the area, targeting the Chippy Junction on Gorgie Road, again brandishing the knife, shouting commands, and seizing cash before escaping toward Gorgie Mill Road. Police arrested him several days later. The two employees at the newsagents managed to laugh the robber out of the premises before he fled.
Timeline of Events
- The first robbery occurred in early November.
- The second and third attacks took place on 27 November, 18 days after the initial incident.
- Crawshaw appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on his 21st birthday, 28 May, pleading guilty to three assault and robbery charges.
- On 16 June the court sentenced him to three years’ custody.
- Following the robberies, firearms officers raided two properties and recovered the kitchen knife.
Key Figures
- Finley Crawshaw – 21-year-old suspect who pleaded guilty.
- Two shop employees at the newsagents and staff at Chippy Junction, managed by Mr. Laouadi.
- Edinburgh police and firearms officers who conducted the raids.
Police Response and Evidence
Firearms officers were deployed to track the suspect. Intelligence led to raids on two Edinburgh properties, where the large kitchen knife seen on CCTV was seized, linking the attacks.
Legal Outcome
Crawshaw faced three assault and robbery charges. After pleading guilty, the sheriff sentenced him to three years in prison, noting the seriousness of brandishing a weapon in a public retail setting.
Impact and Significance
The case highlights CCTV’s role in identifying armed robbers, the importance of rapid police response, and the need for robust security protocols in small retail outlets.
Official Statements & Responses
Mr. Laouadi, manager at Chippy Junction, said staff were forced to step back as Crawshaw shouted commands and brandished the knife. Police confirmed the deployment of firearms officers and the seizure of the weapon during the raids.
Verbatim Quotes
- “give me all the money” — Finlay Crawshaw, 21-year-old robber
- “open the till” — Finlay Crawshaw, 21-year-old robber
- “Finlay Crawshaw burst into the newsagents brandishing a large kitchen knife towards the two workers and attempted to rob them of their takings.” — Daily Record, reporting
- “The assistant managed to press the panic alarm and Crawshaw fled the area.” — Daily Record, reporting
What’s Next
Crawshaw is serving his custodial sentence. Police continue monitoring related investigations, and retailers are reviewing security measures.
