Man jailed for robbery at shop in Longwick
45-year-old Robert Blake targeted a store in Thame Road on January 11
Last updated 7th May 2026
A has been failed for six and a half years for a robbery in Longwick.
Robert Blake, 45, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday 6 May.
The court heard at around 7.50am on 11 January of this year, Blake entered a store in Thame Road and demanded that victim, a woman in her fifties, fill a basket with cigarettes. When this was refused, Blake became aggressive and attempted to access the area behind the counter, jumping into the staff-only area and forcibly removing the till.
The victim attempted to stop Blake leaving with the till, during which the victim was knocked to the floor. Blake then fled the store and was pursued by the victim on foot and was assisted by member of the public who overheard the commotion.
During a further struggle between Blake, a member of the public and the victim, Blake fled into a nearby school playground and across a field.
Approximately £100 in cash was stolen along with the till.
The victim sustained minor cuts and bruises.
Blake was arrested on 13 January and was subsequently charged the following day.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily King of the Buckinghamshire Priority Crime Team said: “This was a frightening and traumatic incident, and I want to commend the exceptional bravery shown by the victim in standing up for her business in the face of aggression.
“I would also like to recognise the valuable assistance provided by colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, as well as the dedication and professionalism of officers within Thames Valley Police’s Priority Crime Team.
“This was very much a team effort, and thanks to effective collaboration the suspect was quickly identified, arrested and charged within a matter of days.
“Finally, I would like to thank members of the local community who came forward to assist and provide support. Their response demonstrates the vital role our communities play in helping us bring offenders to justice.”
Blake was convicted for multiple offences by the Met, including over 20 shoplifting counts and one count of assault by beating, with these sentences to run concurrently.