Hunt continues for machete-wielding man and accomplice who allegedly threatened shopping centre workers

A Canberra police officer has said authorities “will be relentless” in searching for the alleged offenders who put a shopping centre into lockdown.

Police were called to the Canberra Outlet Centre about 3:15 pm on Thursday (27 February) after reports a man had allegedly threatened staff and pulled a knife.

On Friday, Acting Inspector Joel Wiseman said the two suspects had allegedly stolen from a store.

“We now know the man and a woman had been in the centre for a period of time before entering a store and allegedly stealing a pair of shoes,” he said.

“When they were confronted, a man produced a machete and threatened staff and members of the public.”

The shopping centre was locked down for about an hour in response. Police searched for the two suspects, but they had already escaped. Police believe the pair had left the centre immediately.

Acting Inspector Wiseman said there was no ongoing threat to the public and no-one had been physically injured.

“Police are making inquiries in relation to how they departed the scene, and whether that be via vehicle, on foot or via public transport,” he said.

As police continue investigating, Acting Inspector Wiseman asked anyone who could help identify the two alleged offenders to come forward.

Police have described the man as Caucasian with a solid build and mullet-style dark hair, and alleged he was wearing tight, light-coloured jeans, a dark T-shirt and blue sneakers. He was also carrying a dark backpack.

The woman is also described as Caucasian, with long straight dark hair and glasses. Wearing a dark strapless top, grey bike shorts and Nike sneakers, she was carrying a large dark tote bag and a handbag.

On Friday, Acting Inspector Wiseman said ACT Policing had maintained “a highly visible presence” at the shopping centre.

He asked the public to keep their distance if they witnessed similar situations.

People should instead call ACT Policing on 131 444 (for non-emergency issues) or triple zero (in an emergency).

“Whilst it’s quite confronting to observe, we understand that the staff were trying to prevent a theft, but in a situation like that we’d really encourage members of the public, shop owners and staff not to approach individuals because it could have turned extremely violent in that situation with a knife or a weapon produced,” Acting Inspector Wiseman said.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.