Rockingham police appeal for public help to identify axe-wielding would-be thief

Rockingham detectives have appealed for witnesses to come forward to help identify a man who wielded an axe at supermarket staff after being confronted about unpaid items.

The incident happened about 4.05pm on Monday, January 7 when the man attended the service desk at Coles in Rockingham Centre and asked for cigarettes.

Detective Senior Constable Teresa Booth said staff became suspicious of the man and asked to see the contents of his trolley, which contained hundreds of dollars worth of unpaid meat.

It was then he produced a small axe from under his clothing, raised it in the air and verbally threatened staff and security, before running away through the centre’s western entrance and through the Read Street underpass.

“This was a scary incident in a busy centre... we are appealing to witnesses to come forward or anyone who might be able to identify the man to call Crime Stoppers,” Detective Snr Constable Booth said.

“Staff were scared but dealt with the incident well. This was an isolated incident and not linked to anything else.”

The man is described as fair skinned, aged in his early 30s, of slim build, about 170cm tall, with dark blonde hair and a beard. He was wearing a red T-shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone with information can call police on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.