WATCH: Teenager caught on CCTV stealing knives from Asda in Peterborough - before using them to rob vape shop
A teenager has been jailed after he held a knife to a shop worker’s throat during a robbery in Peterborough city centre.
Cambridgeshire Police said Kyle Cripps, 19, robbed Diamond Vapes, in Bridge Street, at knifepoint on the evening of 22 June – just minutes after stealing the knife from Asda.
Police said that after threatening the terrified member of staff, Cripps stole some counterfeit notes that were on display behind the till – but he was caught not long after the robbery.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Inquiries revealed Cripps, who was arrested soon after, had stolen the knife from Asda in Rivergate, Peterborough city centre, less than ten minutes before the crime.”
CCTV footage of Cripps hiding the knives down the front of his trousers in the supermarket has now been released by Cambridgeshire Police – as has footage of his arrest.
Police said that Cripps, of Charnwood Close, Fletton, Peterborough, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (23 October) where he was jailed for three years and eight months, with an extended period of three years on licence.
The police spokesperson said he had previously admitted robbery, theft from shop, and possession of a knife in a public place.
Detective Constable Hannah Worthington, who investigated, praised the team who helped bring Cripps to justice.
DC Worthington said: “This was undoubtedly a terrifying ordeal for the member of staff, who was threatened at knifepoint.
“I would like to praise the response officers whose swift response resulted in Cripps being quickly located and taken into custody.”