Man Threatens JD Sports Staff in Luton

12 September 2010, 06:00

Bedfordshire Police is appealing for the public’s help in tracking down a man whose threats, vicious verbal assaults and filthy comments towards staff in a Luton store have caused fear and illness.

The man had been banned from JD Sports, in the Arndale Centre, Luton in July when he flew into a rage with a 19-year-old female member of staff. He was unhappy with a return he was making and the young woman took the full force of his anger. He stood face-to-face with her, shouting abuse including four-letter words and made crude suggestions and threats to harm her. She was unable to get him out of the shop, but fortunately two members of the public intervened and moved him away from the young woman. She told him not to come back and he replied, “I am going to get a gun and shoot you.” 

Following this incident, she was frightened, very stressed and became ill, subsequently needing three weeks off work as a result of the man’s behaviour.     

On Tuesday 17 August 2010 at approximately 3.00pm, he returned to the shop  and gave a repeat performance of his bad behaviour, this time verbally attacking a 17-year-old female part-time worker, leaving her very upset after making sexual and lewd comments, suggestive remarks and threats. He also made threats towards the store’s 23-year-old male assistant manager. 

The man is described as white with a tan, possibly in his late 20’s/early 30’s, about 5’9”/5’11” tall and medium, but muscular build. He has sandy-coloured, short hair and was clean-shaven. He had mirrored glasses, but it is believed when not wearing them, he has noticeably green eyes. He was wearing jeans, a light-coloured top or jacket and carrying a shoulder bag. He spoke with a strong foreign accent, possibly Eastern European. 

Police in Luton believe there were lots of shoppers who may have witnessed his behaviour and are appealing for them to come forward. 

Were you in the area of JD Sports in the Arndale Centre at 3.00pm on Tuesday 17 August 2010? Do you remember seeing or hearing this foul-mouthed man? Do you recognise him from the photographs? 

If you can help the police enquiry in any way, please contact Kathleen Chapman at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394176, or text information to 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.