A mother has shared her horror after learning her teenage son had a £600 coat and £500 in cash stolen at knife point at a popular shopping centre.

Karen Dunton, from Ware, Hertfordshire, told this newspaper that her 17-year-old son, Zachary Dunton, and his girlfriend, were followed from the Moncler shop in Bicester Village to the multi-storey car park after buying coats from the store.

Once at the car, one of the two men who followed the young couple pulled a knife and held it to Zachary’s throat.

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Miss Dunton explained that Zachary’s girlfriend began to remove her coat, thinking it would be best to appease the attackers.

But Zachary told his partner to keep it on, and not to give the robbers anything.

After that, the offender pushed the knife harder into Zachary’s throat and told him to open his car boot.

The robber took Zachary’s coat from the boot and told him he was also taking his wallet.

Miss Dunton said: “My son has been left traumatised. Both him and his girlfriend are distraught.

“He had only just passed his driving test, so they decided to go to Bicester Village to do a bit of shopping. You don't expect something like this to happen.”

"I am really angry about this. He lost his money and new coat, but he could have lost his life as well.

“The two had been saving for a while to buy those coats, and this trip was supposed to be a nice date for them having been recommended by their friends.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of a robbery in the multi-storey car park at Bicester Village on Pingle Drive, Bicester, at around 4.40pm yesterday (Thursday, February 16).

“Two black men stole a wallet containing a large quantity of cash and valuable items of clothing at knifepoint before making off in a blue Volkswagen Golf.

“Officers are investigating and urge anyone with information to call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230072792.

“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

Bicester Village has been contacted but declined to comment, with a spokesperson saying: “We have no statement to make at the current time as the incident is subject to an ongoing police investigation.”

Last year two teenagers and two men were arrested on suspicion of robbery after three iPhones and a Samsung tablet were stolen from Vodafone in Pioneer Square.

It was reported that three offenders smashed a display cabinet and stole the items.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1