Police probe machete raid on kebab shop

A manhunt has been launched after a machete-wielding, masked man robbed a kebab shop this weekend.

Dinesh Ballack, a team leader at Al La Kebab on George Town’s Lawrence Boulevard, said the two staff involved were shocked by the incident but unhurt.

Ballack said there were four people working at the time, but he and another staff member, a trainee team leader, were on their break when the man struck.

“I didn’t actually witness anything … no one was hurt, luckily,” he said.

“Both on duty were shaken up. The new guy I was training, it was his first time. He wasn’t happy about it.

“I have no idea how much the man got away with. We were busy at the time. But everybody’s OK and continuing to work.”

Ballack said it was the first time this year the takeaway shop had been robbed, although it was targeted twice last year.

“One guy, the chef, has had previous experience of this,” he said.

The robber, described as tall and of slim build, hit the restaurant at about 10:15pm on Sunday night.

He reportedly demanded cash and escaped in the direction of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway.

Ballack said police had arrived at the scene quickly and were examining CCTV footage from cameras in the area.

“We are helping the police as much as we can. They are checking the cameras on the building to see if they can find something,” he said.

Ballack appealed to anyone who was in the area who may have seen something suspicious to contact police.

He said, “We had some customers at the time. If anyone saw something we didn’t, they should come forward.”

Police said investigations into the robbery continued and that anyone with information that could help the enquiry should contact George Town police station on 949-4222.

Information can also be passed on using the RCPIS confidential tip line on 949-7777.

Witnesses can also use the service’s website or download the Cayman Crime Stoppers app.