Locals reacted with renewed dismay yesterday as armed robbers struck another business.

The third such attack in eight days resulted in a firearm being brandished at staff in Continental Motors on North Shore Road, Pembroke.

A lone gunman demanded cash from staff within the Peugeot dealership just before 1.30pm, and left the scene with a man on a motorcycle waiting outside, taking with them a quantity of cash.

Staff were left “unharmed, physically”, a police spokesman said, in the aftermath of the island’s 12th robbery since Boxing Day.

For Sylvia Hayward-Harris, a member of staff at the store’s Curving Avenue branch, the attack on a modest family-run business was cause for anger.

“Why is it that people keep saying that people are hurting, when we are hurting each other?” Ms Hayward-Harris said.

“Why is it so often black-owned businesses? I’m sorry to bring race into it, but this hurts the ones who can least afford it. There has to be a better way.”

Police described the two as apparently aged in their 20s. The dark-coloured motorcycle came from an easterly direction, and headed west.

The first is described as tall, slimly built, and of dark complexion, wearing all dark clothing and a dark helmet with a dark visor.

The second offender was slimly built, wearing a black jacket with a neon green hood and a white helmet with a dark visor.

Police have begun to hold meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, and officers are moving through the community in a bid to talk to business owners about ways of protecting themselves against crime.

Ms Hayward-Harris said the attacks were likely opportunistic, gang-related crimes.

“It irks me,” she said. “It’s my salary. Everybody’s trying to make ends meet — every business. This is not the way.”

Witnesses or anyone else with information about the planning or execution of the robbery is urged to call police on 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 800-8477.