BEDFORD, NH – Raymond Atkins, 29, of Manchester, was arrested by Bedford on April 19 for allegedly shoplifting items from the Bedford Wal-Mart. Police say Atkins had been released from custody one week ago for a similar offense.
Atkins was charged with: theft from a building; default or breach of bail conditions; and violation of probation or parole based on the following police narrative.
On April 19 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Bedford Police responded to Wal-Mart, 17 Colby Court, for a report of a shoplifting in progress. The responding officer was advised by dispatch that the suspect, a tall, thin, black male, had allegedly stolen two Xbox controllers before he fled the store on foot. He was last seen heading toward the Hannaford Plaza.
Once in the area, an officer noticed a man fitting the suspect’s description walking on South Main Street near Oneida Street in Manchester. After speaking with the man, later identified as Atkins, police located the controllers in his possession.
Upon further investigation, including comparing still images from Walmart of the suspect, police determined Atkins was the same person involved in the shoplifting incident.
Police say Atkins had previously been arrested April 11 for theft by deception stemming from a fraudulent returns at Kohl’s, 81 S. River Road. He had been released on bail pending his arraignment on May 24.
Police arrested Atkins on Tuesday. He was transported to the Hillsborough County House of Correction on a 72-hour hold and to await his arraignment.
“Shoplifting is a prevalent problem in Bedford these days,” Chief John Bryfonski said. “We encourage all businesses to continue to have an active presence in their stores and to always report any incidents of this nature.”