A man has been jailed following quick police action in relation to two attempted robberies in Weymouth.
William Gage, aged 49 and of Weymouth, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 1 May 2026 to six years in prison.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 23 July 2025, Gage entered the Post Office on St. Thomas Street and handed a note to a member of staff ordering them to hand over cash and stating he was in possession of a weapon. The staff refused to hand over any money and Gage left empty handed.
On the same afternoon, Gage entered the Amazing Fantasy store in Ranelagh Road and handed over a similar note to the cashiers. Again, no money was handed over and Gage left the scene.
No injuries were sustained during either incident.
Gage was arrested within a few hours of committing the offences following fast time enquiries and searches in the area by officers.
He was subsequently charged with two counts of attempted robbery and pleaded guilty to both.
Detective Constable Tom Pocock, of Dorset Police, said: “William Gage threatened members of staff with violence in attempts to steal cash. Although no money was stolen and no injuries were sustained, this was still a terrifying ordeal for those involved.
“Thanks to the fast-time enquiries and searches of the area by officers, Gage was quickly located and arrested for his offending.
“We are pleased he is now behind bars for a significant period of time and facing justice for his actions.”
