A man who terrorized Cheltenham shops by brandishing a knife and threatening staff during a series of burglaries has been sentenced to six years in prison. Jake Ahmed, 25, who has no fixed address, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on June 10 after admitting multiple offences including theft, burglary, and public order violations.
Between November 2025 and May 2026, Ahmed committed a string of crimes across Cheltenham. CCTV footage captured him breaking into two businesses and stealing various items. During one incident at a supermarket on November 29, 2025, Ahmed was caught on camera hiding three bottles of whiskey down his trousers. When confronted by security and staff, he threatened to kill them and made racially abusive remarks.
In another alarming episode on April 28, 2026, Ahmed entered a shop on Cheltenham High Street and attempted to steal approximately £100 worth of steaks. When staff approached to stop him, he brandished a 10 to 12-inch silver knife, waving it threateningly and forcing the employee to flee.
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Further police reports detailed break-ins at a boutique shop and a nearby tattoo parlour in early May 2026. Ahmed used a plant pot and a brick to smash glass doors and forcibly entered the premises. At the tattoo parlour, he stole a thermal tattoo copier valued at around £900.
After being arrested, Ahmed admitted to all charges but showed little remorse, reportedly finding his behaviour “funny” during police interviews. He claimed he had no specific reason for the thefts and suggested drug use affected his memory.
In court, Ahmed was sentenced to six years imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228. Investigating officer PC Josh Govier commented on Ahmed’s lack of remorse and the trauma inflicted on the victims.