ACT Policing is seeking information regarding an incident at the Canberra Outlet Centre this afternoon, Thursday 27 February.
Police were called to the Canberra Outlet Centre about 3:15pm following reports of a man and a woman making threats to shop staff, a statement released by ACT Policing said.
Following investigations, it has been confirmed that the man and a woman had been in the centre for a period of time before entering a store and allegedly stealing a pair of shoes.
When they were confronted, the man produced the machete and threatened staff and members of the public.
The pair fled the centre immediately after the confrontation, and at this time they have not been apprehended. The shopping centre was put into lockdown for an hour after the incident.
While no persons were physically injured, Acting Inspector Joel Wiseman said this was a confronting incident for shop staff and witnesses.
“The staff yesterday were obviously quite shocked and traumatised that something like that would happen at the Canberra Outlet Centre,” he said.
“Police immediately cleared the vicinity and established that they had left the location and that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
“Shop owners at the locations were obviously put into lockdown at the advice of centre management, and as soon as that threat was established that they were no longer there, then businesses opened up and allowed the public to freely move amongst the centre.”
Acting Inspector Wiseman also advised against members of the public confronting people who are aggressive.
“In situations like this, we urge the public not to approach individuals who are violent, aggressive or who are obviously committing those offense,” he said.
“What we encourage the members of the public or shop owners to do is immediately contact police.”
ACT Policing investigators would like to speak to witnesses who have not already spoken to police as well as anyone who can identify the pair or assist with their location.
“At this point in time, police are making active investigations, and we will be relentless in trying to establish the identities of these offenders and put them before the court to face justice for their actions,” Acting Inspector Wiseman said.
The man is described as Caucasian with a solid build and mullet style dark hair. He was wearing tight, light coloured jeans, a dark t-shirt and blue sneakers. The man was also carrying a dark backpack.
The woman is also described as Caucasian, with long straight dark hair and glasses. She was wearing a dark strapless top, grey bike shorts with Nike sneakers. She was carrying a large dark tote bag and a handbag.
Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via theโฏCrime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 7985063. Information can be provided anonymously.
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