A retired French crime reporter has been arrested for carrying out a string of robberies. The former journalist held up five stores successfully before being caught red-handed on his sixth attempt.
Pictures of his disguise - a fake moustache, wig, hat, gloves and mask - featured in the news report about his arrest in his former newspaper, La Nouvelle République, in Blois, central west France.
But the paper did not mention his name, nor that he used to be on its staff. And other outlets identified him only as a 63-year-old called Jean Michel.
He is believed to have stolen €9,000 in cash in his five robberies. His modus operandi was to wait until closing time and then, brandishing a revolver described by police as "à la Clint Eastwood", he demanded that the shop workers hand over the day's takings.
According to his paper's report he had money problems due to a divorce and his son's school fees.
Sources: Nouvelle République/France Info/The Local
