27 February 2025

Canberra shopping centre locked down after man allegedly threatened staff, pulled knife

| Claire Sams
Canberra Outlet Centre sign.

Police allege workers were threatened by a couple before a man pulled a knife. Photo: Region.

Police are searching for a couple who allegedly threatened staff at a Canberra shopping centre before pulling out a large knife.

An ACT Policing spokesperson said officers were called to the Canberra Outlet Centre at about 3:15 pm on Thursday afternoon (27 February).

A man and a woman were “making threats to shop staff”, the spokesperson alleged.

According to witnesses, the man then reportedly pulled out a large knife and threatened staff, police said.

“The centre was placed into lockdown and multiple police units attended, including AFP specialist teams,” the spokesperson said.

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The Outlet Centre has been swept, although police said they believed the couple had left.

No one was physically injured.

Anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.

More to come.

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