Cardiff Knife Robber Jailed for Attacking Security Guard

A knife-wielding shoplifter who lunged at a security guard’s face has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Omar Karshe, 44, of Spencer Street, Cathays, entered Tesco Express on City Road in December with an empty carrier bag. When approached by security after a customer reported suspicious behaviour, Karshe ran to the back of the store before pulling out a knife and lunging at the guard, missing his face by inches. He then fled with stolen toiletries.

CCTV footage captured the entire incident, with retrospective facial recognition technology helping police identify the robber. Officers later found the same clothing at his address.

The case is part of a wider crackdown on shoplifting in Cardiff and The Vale. Recent convictions include Christopher Storer, jailed for over 40 shoplifting offences, and Nathan Cambell, sentenced to 32 weeks for 19 offences after being caught red-handed at Home Bargains whilst an officer was already inside reviewing CCTV of his previous crimes.

Detective Constable James Balchin said: “We have been meeting with retailers and businesses to improve information and intelligence sharing as well as arresting prolific offenders and those who profit from retail theft. The operation was put in place as a response to rising retail theft and I hope convictions such as this one are helping to improve trust and confidence within our business communities.” ⚖️