Oxfordshire robber threatened Tesco staff with ‘box-cutter knife’

The incident occurred at around 10.27pm on Friday (July 31), when a man entered Tesco Express on Bowmont Square in Bicester.

He approached the till with a box-cutter knife and demanded the cashier open the till before he then took cash from two tills and fled in an unknown direction.

The offender is described by Thames Valley Police as a white man with pale skin and a black scruffy beard and around 5ft 9ins tall.

READ MORE: Three days of rain in a row to break Oxfordshire heatwave this week

He was wearing a black puffer jacket with the hood up, long grey jogging bottoms and white socks with no shoes, and he had a local accent.

The victim, who Thames Valley Police say was a 19-year-old man, did not sustain any injuries.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to the robbery in Bicester and the force released a statement this afternoon (Monday, August 3).

Investigating officer Detective Constable Katie Derrick said: “We believe that there were a number of people in this store at the time of the incident and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anything to please get in touch.

“I am also appealing to specific witnesses who were in a queue at the till at the time of the incident.

READ MORE: Oxford Magistrates’ Court reopening delayed by another four months

“There was a man behind the offender, described as white, with short brown hair and wearing a red and blue sports jacket.

“Behind him was a woman, described as in her fifties, around 6ft tall and wearing a grey sweater.

“There were also two younger girls in the store who checked on the victim after the incident.

“If you think that these people could be you or if you were in the area at this time, please get in contact.

READ MORE: John Lewis making major change to UK stores amid £800m investment

“Anyone with digital evidence, like dash-cam footage of the incident or of the offender before or after he left the store, please upload it to our dedicated online portal.

“Anyone with information can call 101 or make an online report, via our website, quoting reference 43260395409.

“Alternatively, you can provide information 100 per cent anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

Tesco Express branches are much smaller than standard Tesco superstores, typically around 200 square metres in size.

READ MORE: Over 600 jobs lost as UK high street chain closes more than 130 shops

Designed for quick, top‑up shopping rather than full weekly trolley loads, they stock a focused range of everyday essentials.

This includes bread, milk, fruit and vegetables, ready meals and frozen food alongside items including sweets, crisps, chocolate, biscuits and soft drinks.

Stores are usually located on busy high streets, in residential parade precincts, small towns and villages, and on petrol station forecourts.

Tesco Express often opens early in the morning and closes late at night to catch commuters.