A man, identified as Karl Kaynar, instilled fear in the employees of a pizza restaurant in Swanley, Kent, by brandishing what seemed to be a firearm and demanding money. Kaynar, with threats of violence including asking if they wanted to die, proceeded to steal approximately £400 from the cash drawer after climbing over the counter. The following day, Kaynar targeted an Asda petrol station in London Road, this time armed with a knife and a broken paving slab. He threatened employees, warning of acid attacks, and fled with a significant sum of money. Authorities apprehended Kaynar the same day and recovered the air gun used in the crimes, confirming it as an imitation firearm.
Further investigations led to the seizure of a bag from an address linked to Kaynar, where a knife was also discovered. The 42-year-old, with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a knife in a public place, theft, and drug offenses. A subsequent armed robbery on March 22, considered the most serious offense, resulted in a total sentence of nine years and four months for Kaynar. He will serve an additional 86 days for violating a suspended sentence and face a four-year license period post-release.
Detective Constable Rosie Acton emphasized the genuine fear inflicted on the victims by Kaynar’s actions, despite the firearm being fake. The swift arrest prevented further potential harm, offering some reassurance to the Swanley community.