Police are appealing for witnesses after a man reportedly pulled a knife on staff at JD Sports in Kempston on Sunday (15 June), during a robbery at the Interchange Retail Park.
Officers were called shortly after 3.30 pm following reports that a man had left the store with a large quantity of items. Staff gave chase, but it’s understood that the suspect then turned on them and threatened them with a knife.
No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway.
Inspector Vicky Stoughton of Bedfordshire Police said: “Protecting our community from violence is something we take extremely seriously, including ensuring retail workers feel safe at work.
“In Bedford, all knife-related robberies have decreased by 30% so far this year compared to the same period last year, and business robbery rates remain low. While these figures are encouraging, we recognise the impact that even a single incident can have on those affected.”
She said robbery and retail crime remain “key priorities” for the force, with a focus on targeting repeat offenders and working with retailers to boost security and encourage reporting.
“We’re continuing to work closely with retailers and partners to strengthen security measures and increase reporting of incidents – both of which are essential to building a clearer picture of the issue and ensuring our resources are targeted where they’re needed most,” she added.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to report it online at beds.police.uk/ro/report or call 101, quoting reference 40/33799/25.
Advice for retailers
Police are reminding retail staff that shoplifters may respond aggressively when confronted, and that safety must always be the top priority.
Employers are advised to conduct a risk assessment in line with health and safety guidance. Staff are encouraged to trust their instincts and only engage a potential shoplifter if it is safe to do so.
Keeping a safe distance and alerting a manager or security team is advised if a situation feels uncomfortable.
Anyone who feels under immediate threat should call 999.
More advice is available at Bedfordshire Police’s website.
