Man charged after hammer-wielding male steals tobacco and threatens staff at Bishops Waltham Co-Op

Steven Kearney, 50, of no fixed abode, will appear in court following a string of incidents over the weekend. A Co-Op store in Bishops Waltham High Street was among the eight businesses hit by robberies.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said Kearney was charged following “reports of multiple incidents between 26 and 29 December in which a man armed with a hammer entered stores and threatened staff before going behind the counter and stealing tobacco products”.

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“Following enquiries, officers identified a vehicle believed to be linked to the incidents. With support from the police helicopter, the vehicle was stopped on Acacia Road, Southampton, at around 8.45am on Monday, December 29, and five people were arrested.”

Two other Co-Op stores, in Hamble High Street and Nursling, were robbed during this period. A Tesco store in St Luke’s Close, Hedge End, has hit along with three Southampton businesses; Mr Local in Thornhill Park Road, Premier in Wodehouse Road, and One Stop, Kendal Avenue.

Kearney has been remanded and is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on January 20. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Police added: “Four others arrested – two 17‑year‑old boys, a 23‑year‑old man and a 41‑year‑old woman – have been bailed while enquiries continue.”