THE elderly owner of a fish and chip shop who has given 44 years’ service to her community has vowed to not let criminals win the day - despite being held at knifepoint during a robbery last week.
Stoic Pat Hubery, who runs and lives above Dearne Road Fisheries in Bolton-upon-Dearne, was watching television on Friday night when she heard a noise.
Having gone to investigate, a robber burst through the door, brandishing a knife and demanding money.
“I heard a huge bang in the other room,” the 76-year-old told the Chronicle.
“I’m not very mobile so I was slow getting up and going through.
“Suddenly a gas bottle came crashing through the window in the door, followed by a guy with a knife who demanded money.
“He ended up getting away with about £350 - thankfully I don’t have a lot of money in the house now because most people pay with card.
“I’ve been here for 44 years and always felt safe - this has made me a bit nervous, but I suppose these things happen.”
Many people reached out over Facebook to send support to the stalwart of the community.
Pat returned to work and reopened the morning after - and she’s refused to slow down following the traumatic incident.
“When I first saw him I thought I might be able to grab a knife and protect myself - I had to tell myself to stop and be sensible,” she added.
“I went along with it until he’d gone and I could call the police.
“Then I reached out to my children - my sons were all down in a shot.
“There’s not much you can do but carry on.”
A 42-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with the crime and released on bail.
Pat has been in touch with her local councillor Abi Moore, who is helping her with the situation.
Coun Moore added: “Hard-working and vulnerable people yet again are being targeted by a mindless minority who continue to try and ruin our community for the rest of us.
“These recent events remind us why we need to work collaboratively with the police to root out criminals within our area.
“If any residents are ever worried about criminal activity, please don’t hesitate to contact South Yorkshire Police as well as your local councillors.”
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “We were called at 11.44pm last Friday evening to reports of a robbery on Dearne Road, in Bolton-upon-Dearne.
“It is reported that a man broke into a premise on the road, threatening the victim with a knife before taking a quantity of cash.
“A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, burglary, assault of an emergency worker and provocation of violence.
“He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
“Enquiries remain ongoing and officers are asking for anyone with information that could help their investigation to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1043 of April 12, 2024.”
