Scots cops hunt female robber who made off with three-figure sum in shop raid

Police are hunting a female robber following a raid on a store in Edinburgh which saw her pocketing a three-figure sum.

The woman targeted the premises in question in Portobello High Street yesterday, Saturday, January 31, 2026.

She entered thhe business involved just before 5pm and threatened a staff member before making off with cash.

An investigation was launched in a bid to track down the crook, and Police Scotland officers have now appealed to the public for help during the probe.

Officers describe the thief as being aged between 30 and 40, white, thin, and around 5ft 4ins tall.

She was wearing a black puffer-style jacket, had her hood up, and was wearing a purple headband and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Luke Wilson said: “Thankfully no one was injured but the staff member was left very shaken and upset by what happened.

“We are asking anyone in the area at the time who can help with our investigation to get in touch. Please check any private CCTV to see if anything has been captured that could assist officers.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2197 of Saturday, 31 January, 2026, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A post about the incident on the Police Scotland Edinburgh Facebook page said: "We are appealing for information following a robbery at a premises in Edinburgh on Saturday, 31 January.

"The incident happened around 4.55pm on Portobello High Street when a woman entered a shop, threatened a staff member and made off with a three-figure sum of money.

"The woman is described as white, 30 to 40-years-old, around 5ft 4ins and of thin build. "She was wearing a black puffer style jacket with the hood up, dark trousers and a purple headband. She spoke with a local accent."