Menace Cheltenham thief 'waved knife' at terrified shop worker
Summary
A thief who threatened to kill supermarket staff and brandished a knife in a shop during a crime spree has been jailed. CCTV footage showed Jake Ahmed breaking into two businesses in Cheltenham and stealing items from inside. The 25-year-old, of no fixed address, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday (June 10) where he was sentenced for a string of offences.
Details
Ahmed, who was said by police to have found his behaviour “funny” during questioning, had previously pleaded guilty to the following charges: Robbery Racially/religiously aggravated harassment/alarm/distress by words, writing or behaviour Possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place Theft from a shop Burglary other than dwelling theft Burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal The latest charges against Ahmed related to a series of burglaries from shops and public order offences which took place between November 2025 and May 2026, Gloucestershire Police said.
The court heard that police became aware of Ahmed whilst investigating several reports of burglaries which had taken place across Cheltenham. On Saturday November 29, 2025, police received a report that a man had entered a supermarket and was caught shoplifting on CCTV. The man was seen to select three bottles of whiskey before putting them down his trousers.
The man walked past the tills and security scanners into the entrance area of the store before being stopped by staff and security members. He was asked to hand over the bottles of whiskey and told to leave the shop. Upon doing so he threatened to kill members of staff and made racially abusive remarks towards them, police said.
On Tuesday April 28, 2026, police received a report that Ahmed had entered a shop on Cheltenham High Street and picked up a large number of steaks worth approximately £100. Ahmed was known for shoplifting and so a member of staff approached and asked him to put the items back. It was at this moment when Ahmed pulled out a silver knife which was approximately 10 to 12 inches long and began waving it around.
The employee feared for his life and fled for safety. Ahmed then left the store with the steaks. On May 6, police received a report that the owner of a boutique shop was awoken by a banging sound coming from within the premises.
She discovered that Ahmed had used a plant pot to smash the front glass door and repeatedly kicked the door before gaining access. Ahmed entered the property and searched inside before being disturbed by the owner and leaving. Several hours later police received another call reporting a burglary at a nearby tattoo parlour.
Upon checking CCTV Ahmed was identified as the person responsible for both this burglary and the break-in at the boutique. The CCTV footage showed Ahmed using a brick to smash part of the front glass door to the tattoo parlour and then kicking his way through the door into the property. Once inside he picked up a thermal tattoo copier worth approximately £900 and left with the item, police said.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live