Edinburgh shoplifting suspect charged after threatening store staff with hypodermic needle
A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly threatening shop workers in Edinburgh with a hypodermic needle during a series of retail thefts.
Police said staff were confronted after challenging a suspected shoplifter, who then brandished the needle - leaving staff and shoppers badly shaken.
The man was arrested by officers from Edinburgh’s Central Initiative Team and is due to appear in court on Friday.
Police Inspector Duthie said: “We take incidents of violence and threats against shop workers extremely seriously.
"No one should be subjected to this kind of behaviour while simply carrying out their job.
"I want to thank the shop staff involved for their quick actions in reporting these incidents and reassure the public that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”