Armed hold-up shocks York Street bookshop owner

A brave bookshop owner has opened up about the harrowing moment she was held up at knife-point at her York Street store on Friday afternoon.

Police are investigating the incident, which occurred around noon on Friday in the busy main street of Albany.

Albany’s Gemini Bookshop owner Jacquie Bratby said everything happened very quickly.

“He just came in and demanded money and I told him I didn’t have any,” she said.

“He had the knife in his hand and asked again but I said ‘no I haven’t got any money’ and he waited and then went.

“I think he could’ve just been a druggie or something.”

Ms Bratby said she didn’t fear for her life and was more concerned about her customer, who was at the back of the store during the incident.

“It does shake you up but I didn’t feel I couldn’t cope,” she said. “I was just really hoping (the customer) wouldn’t walk down but she heard and stayed there, thank God.”

The man has been described as tall and slim, wearing a mask, dark-coloured hooded jumper and dark pants.

He was last seen walking in a southerly direction down York Street and it is believed he crossed the road into Duke Street.

Shoppers and staff at surrounding stores were shocked by the brazen act, which occurred on a bustling business day. Detectives said numerous people were in the area at the time and urged anyone who saw the man, or who had dash-cam vision of York Street between 12.15pm and 12.30pm on Friday to come forward or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.