A MAN who was detained by members of the public after he used an imitation firearm in an attempted theft of alcohol at Lidl in Warminster has been jailed.

Marcin Raczak, 28, of Harford Street in Trowbridge pulled out the imitation weapon at the store on Station Road after he was asked to leave by staff.

This comes after Raczak and another man, both of whom were highly intoxicated, attempted to steal alcohol.

Members of the public intervened and managed to take the weapon from the pair, which was then safely locked away.

It was later discovered that the weapon had been stolen from Salisbury Antiques Market on Catherine Street just hours earlier.

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Then, at 4.20pm on July 4, Raczak threatened members of the public with a metal pole. Raczak was arrested, and upon searching his possessions, officers seized two large foil wraps containing amphetamine.

Raczak was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on August 15 for possession of an imitation firearm and three months for possession of an offensive weapon (to run concurrently).

He was also ordered to pay £445 in compensation for the theft.

Acting sergeant Liam Rodrigues-Wilkins said: “These were terrifying incidents not only for the victims who were in attendance but also for the wider community.

“Both of these incident will no doubt have a lasting impact on the residents of Warminster and Trowbridge, especially those who witnessed the incident.

“I would urge anyone with information about individuals carrying weapons or imitation weapons in public to contact the police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

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