John J. Bryfonski, Chief of Police
55 Constitution Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 603-792-1350
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police Arrest Alleged Shoplifter Who was Already Out on Bail for Shoplifting
BEDFORD – Chief John Bryfonski reports that the Bedford Police Department arrested a man yesterday for allegedly shoplifting items from Walmart. The man had been released from police custody a week prior for the a similar offense.
RAYMOND ATKINS, AGE 29, OF MANCHESTER, N.H., is charged with:
- Theft from a Building
- Default or Breach of Bail Conditions
- Violation of Probation or Parole
On Tuesday, April 19 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Bedford Police responded to Walmart, 17 Colby Court, on a report of shoplifting in progress. The responding officer was advised by dispatch that the suspect, a tall, thin, black man had allegedly stolen two Xbox controllers before he fled the store on foot. He was last seen heading toward the Hannaford Plaza.
Once in the area, an officer noticed a man fitting the suspect’s description walking on South Main Street near Oneida Street in Manchester. After speaking with the man, later identified as ATKINS, police located the controllers on his person.
Upon further investigation, including comparing still images from Walmart of the suspect, police determined ATKINS was the same person involved in the shoplifting incident.
ATKINS had previously been arrested by Bedford Police on April 11 for Theft of Deception — stemming from fraudulent returns at Kohl’s, 81 S River Road. He had been released on bail pending his arraignment on May 24.
Police then arrested ATKINS, who was transported to the Hillsborough County House of Corrections on a 72-hour hold and to await his arraignment.
“Shoplifting is a prevalent problem in Bedford these days,” Chief Bryfonski said. “We encourage all businesses to continue to have an active presence in their stores and to always report any incidents of this nature.”
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