A troubling incident unfolded on Thursday, April 10, at Hankridge Retail Park in Taunton, where two high-value leisure batteries were stolen. The theft, which occurred around 7:20 pm, involved a group of three men who not only committed the robbery but also subjected a member of the store staff to threatening and aggressive behaviour, causing considerable distress.
The perpetrators fled the scene in a silver Audi A3. Avon and Somerset Police have released CCTV images to help identify the suspects. All three men are believed to be aged between 20 and 35 years and speak with Irish accents.
Details of the suspects are as follows:
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- Person A: Approximately 5ft 8ins tall, wearing a grey tracksuit, notable for bright white teeth and an Irish accent.
- Person B: Dark-haired, dressed in a black T-shirt and grey shorts.
- Person C: Wearing an orange T-shirt.
PC Riggs of the Taunton neighbourhood policing team emphasized the impact of such offences: “Threatening retail staff and targeting shops is unacceptable. We are committed to identifying those responsible and holding them to account.”
Police have stepped up patrols in the area and are collaborating closely with store security and community partners to reassure the public and prevent further incidents.
Officers have examined CCTV footage and interviewed witnesses, appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The police urge individuals with details to contact them at 101, referencing crime number 5225102400, or to reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers.
This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and support for retail staff facing intimidation during criminal acts.