Officers are issuing a CCTV image of a male suspect in connection with a hate crime incident in Bournemouth.
At around 12pm on Wednesday 30 September 2020 a man entered Halfords on Holdenhurst Road and concealed a Worx pressure washer in a carrier bag, before leaving the store without paying.
A staff member spotted the man and followed him into the car park, while asking to check his bags. It is reported the man became aggressive and directed racially aggravated abuse at the victim.
It also reported that the man threatened to stab the victim, however no weapon was seen during the incident.
The man eventually discarded the stolen item on the ground and this was recovered by staff members.
Police Constable Kim Martin, of Bournemouth police, said: “An investigation is underway to identify the man and I am issuing a CCTV image of him in the hope someone may recognise him.
“While I appreciate he is mostly covered, I am hoping someone may recognise him from his build and the clothing he is wearing.
“This was a distressing incident for the victim, who was just trying to carry out his job.
“We do not tolerate hate crime in Dorset and will do all we can to identify the offender. Dorset Police is supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week and would encourage anyone who is a victim of hate crime to please report it.”
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 55200147145. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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