Thieves target Buckinghamshire retailer in axe-wielding attack

A Buckinghamshire retailer was the victim of an axe-wielding attack last week, leaving his store with theft and damages of £2,000.

Harpal Singh, of Chesham Bois Store in Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire, was left with a blow to the head after thieves broke into his store at 5:30pm on 22 February, stealing cash, vapes and whisky.

Shop manager Marcus Green told Better Retailing: “Events like this are very, very rare [round here]. At 5:30pm, two people entered the shop and asked Harpal to empty the till. They pushed him away from the till so he couldn’t [open it], within a second of asking him they struck him on the head with an axe – the backend of the axe, not the bladed side.

“They took £300 in cash [from the till]. It’s a sickening act for a few hundred pounds. They also stole vapes and whisky, and smashed up the till which was securely fitted. Total losses, including damage, probably amounted to £2,000, plus loss of trade because we had to close the store as well. It’s so bizarre and sickening.”

Singh was released from hospital after four days on 26 February.

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A Just Giving page was set up in response to raise money for Harpal, adding up to more than £6,400 at the time of writing.  

Green added: “We’ve had great support from the community. We’re deeply humbled by the outpouring of support. The wider story is that attacks on shopkeepers, through shoplifting, is on the rise.”

The incident followed a knife robbery that took place 24 hours before on Ivy Stores, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, on 21 February, with some residents claiming the incidents are linked.

Thames Valley Police told Better Retailing the investigation is ongoing.

“We would urge anybody who recognises the individuals in the images, or who witnessed this incident to get in touch with Thames Valley Police by calling 101, quoting reference 43240085255 or alternatively, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,” said a spokesperson for the force.

When asked what it is doing to reduce retail crime in the area, the force said it is working closely with the local police and crime commissioner on the Thames Valley Retail Crime Strategy.

“As with any crime, we rely on evidence with CCTV to support our investigations,” the force added. “The new digital camera definition provides us with clearer footage to better investigate opportunities to pursue offenders.”

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