Madison Burgess
Police are investigating after a shopper allegedly did a poop on the shelf in The Range and then fled the scene.
The unfortunate incident took place in the Banbury, Oxfordshire branch of the UK homeware store, at 1.40pm on 25 March.
The suspect allegedly left the staff with an unwanted present on one of the shelves before walking out of the store and disappearing onto the street.
Thames Valley Police later released footage of a shopper whom they wanted to speak to in connection with the alleged criminal damage.
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Investigating officer, police constable Robert Watson said: "We’re looking to identify the individual in this CCTV image, as we believe they may have information that could help our investigation."
While a force spokesperson added: "Thames Valley Police is releasing a CCTV image of an individual that officers would like to speak to in connection with criminal damage in Banbury."
They continued: "On Wednesday 25 March, at 1.40pm at The Range in Banbury, an offender has defecated on a shelf. They have then left the store."
Anyone with information on the unusual case can come forward by calling, visiting or visiting the TVP's website, or by reporting anonymously through the independent charity, Crimestoppers.
However, as reported by the Oxford Mail, in a fresh update yesterday (7 April), the police force has confirmed that they are no longer looking for the specific person they shared CCTV of.
A spokesperson for the Cherwell unit told the publication: "We would like to thank the public for their assistance following our appeal relating to a criminal damage incident in Banbury on 25 March.
"We have now removed the request to identify an individual, but our investigation continues."
The footage of the person has also since been removed from Thames Valley Police's website.
As per the UK Government website, the offence of criminal damage is an either-way offence which attracts a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Where the damage value is less than £5,000, the case must be tried summarily and attracts a maximum sentence of 3 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £2,500.
The level of punishment heavily depends on the value of damage and intent involved in the specific case.
For those unfamiliar with The Range, it's a popular value retailer selling home, garden, and leisure products.
It's unknown what the suspect was in the store for, or whether they purchased anything.
All we know is they left something unpleasant behind...