Cunning Thief Snaps Bank Card, then Threatens Shop Staff with ‘Spray’ in Bold Cigarette Heist
Liam Tristram, 32, caused chaos at a Shell garage in Boongate on 8 August. He tried to buy £67 worth of cigarettes but his bank card was snapped and contactless payment limits stopped him. He told staff he’d return with cash and left—only to come back two hours later to an empty till.
Shoplifting Turns Violent as Tristram Jumps Counter and Threatens Staff
Seeing no staff behind the counter, Tristram jumped over and stuffed a bag full of cigarettes. When a member of staff confronted him, he whipped out something from his pocket and threatened to ‘spray’ her. Undeterred, he filled bags with tobacco, forced open a till, and grabbed cash as staff locked the doors and hid.
Locked In, Staff Forced to Let Tristram Escape After Store Chase
When Tristram tried to leave, he found the door was locked. He chased a terrified staff member around the shop, forcing her to unlock the door so he could escape. Police were called immediately and CCTV operators tracked him getting into a taxi.
Swift Police Action Lands Tristram 32 Months for Robbery—and More Jail Time
Officers caught up with the taxi and arrested Tristram. They found 27 boxes of cigarettes, 15 pouches of tobacco, and £170 in cash on him. Tristram, who has no fixed address, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on 30 November and was sentenced to 32 months in prison.
This runs alongside a suspended six-week sentence triggered by previous cigarette thefts from WH Smith and B&M.
PC George Corney said: “This was an extremely distressing situation for the member of staff who thought Tristram was going to spray her with acid.
“Following a joint effort by CCTV operators, those in our control room and officers on the ground, we were able to act quickly and apprehend Tristram just moments after the crime.”
