Shoplifter threatens staff at Christchurch store

Police has issued a CCTV image of a man following a shoplifting incident at a store in Christchurch, Dorset.

The man also threatened the staff at the Co-Op store in Fairmile Road as they have confronted him for allegedly trying to conceal three bottles of wine and two chocolate bars under his coat.

The police said they have recovered the three bottles of wine.

“This was a very unpleasant and frightening experience for the victims. We have made efforts to identify the offender but these have so far been unsuccessful,” said Police Constable Louise Rowswell, of Dorset Police.

“As part of my enquiries I have now obtained a CCTV image of a man I would like to speak to and I would ask anyone with information as to his identity to please get in touch.”

The incident happened at around 4pm on 8 April, and the man was seen leaving the store on a bicycle in the direction of Tuckton Bridge.

The offender threatened to stab two members of staff with a hypodermic needle and hit them with a bottle of wine, the police added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200050615. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.