A man threatened employees with what appeared to be a gun at a pizza restaurant in Swanley, Kent, demanding money and escaping with around £400. The same individual later targeted an Asda petrol station in London Road, threatening workers with a knife and a broken paving slab, stealing thousands of pounds. The culprit, identified as Karl Kaynar, was apprehended the same day, with the recovered weapon revealed to be an air gun.
Kaynar, 42, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, and knife possession. Additionally, he confessed to theft and drug offenses, as well as another armed robbery, deemed the most severe. He was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison, having already served 18 months on remand. Following his release, he will face an extended four-year license period.
Detective Constable Rosie Acton commended the swift arrest of Kaynar, emphasizing the genuine fear he instilled in his victims. Despite the firearm being fake, its realistic appearance and the threats made by Kaynar left individuals genuinely terrified. Acton expressed hope that Kaynar’s incarceration brings reassurance to the residents and workers of Swanley, preventing further victimization.
