Mandurah Forum employee thrown to ground, threatened with wine bottle

The Mandurah Mail reported last week on two incidents of assaults on retail staff, with the police union saying the violence had to stop. 

Mandurah Detectives are searching for two men they say became violent with a Mandurah Forum Liqourland employee, after attempting to steal alcohol about 2pm. 

Mandurah Detective Senior Sergeant Trevor Troy said "a scuffle" resulted after the attempted theft. 

"One male selected a carton of Jack Daniels and attempted to leave the premise, before being confronted by an employee," he said. 

"The victim was thrown to the ground.

"The suspect picked up bottle of wine and threatened the victim with the bottle of wine while standing over him."

Senior Sergeant Troy said the second offender grabbed a carton of Jack Daniels whisky, before both suspects left the store. 

"We have CCTV footage and hope to be able to identify the two males, but we ask for information from any one who witnessed the incident," he said. 

The first offender who threatened the victim with a wine bottle was described to be 16 to 20 years old, solid build, with long dark 'ratty' hair, and an olive complexion.

He was wearing a white top with an Australian flag.

The second offender was slim, with brown hair.

Senior Sergeant Troy said the WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson had commissioned an initiative to tackle retail theft.

"We will leave no stone unturned when going after shoplifters and any one who resorts to this sort of violence against employees," he said.

"They will feel the full force of the law.

"We ask for the harshest of penalties when they resort to violence."

Senior Sergeant Troy encouraged employees to ask that the property be returned, but to avoid physical confrontation.

"Shops should be setup to limit theft," he said.

"Prevention is always better than a cure. But, the blame here rests with the offender, and not the victims."