‘Incredibly brave’ man traps armed robber inside shop he tried to raid

A kitchen knife-wielding robber was trapped in a shop where he tried to steal thanks to the quick thinking of a member of staff.

Jordan Peebles arrived at a store in Riley Square, Coventry, on December 24, 2025, wearing all black and his face covered. He attacked a staff member and threatened them with a knife.

Peebles, 32, then began filling her bag with items from behind the store’s counter. Meanwhile, the store employee he had beaten came out of the building, closed the shutters and trapped the thief inside.

CCTV footage shows Peebles trying to force his way out while trying to lift the shutter, but to no avail.

When police officers arrived on the scene, Peebles begged to be released and was arrested as soon as he walked out the door.

Appearing at Warwick Crown Court last week, Peebles pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.

West Midlands Police praised the worker’s bravery and quick thinking.

Detective Sergeant Jay Aston, of Coventry local CID, said: “This was a shocking knife-edge robbery that could have resulted in the death or serious injury of the man Peebles attacked.

“The man showed incredible courage and quick thinking to defend himself, leaving the store and pulling down the shutters, trapping Peebles inside.

“I hope Peebles has time to reflect on his actions and choices while in prison, and I am proud of the work of all the officers involved, including the Response officers who arrived on scene within minutes to arrest him.”

West Midlands Police said it encouraged anyone who witnessed a burglary to report it to them, as this allows police to build an accurate picture of who committed these crimes, where and when.

“Call 101 or go online to report the crime to us and always call 999 in emergencies,” he added.