POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man allegedly threatened a member of staff with a knife before fleeing with alcohol from a supermarket.

The drama happened at the Budgens store in Station Road, Gerrards Cross, at 4.50pm last Friday.

Budgens has been a frequent target for thieves over the past few years and the latest incident has led to calls for CCTV surveillance cameras to be set up in the town.

Alan Sealy, who has long campaigned for better policing in Gerrards Cross, said: "It's not just about CCTV, it's about law and order in the town.

"If you put CCTV in is there going to be someone around to respond to the call?

"We have a beat officer here, but he can be called away to deal with other crime there is a shortage of police.

"The good news is that Beaconsfield gets CCTV; the bad news is that the criminals come to Gerrards Cross."

Sgt Ray Wilks of Gerrards Cross police said: "We could always do with more police officers but there are officers about on patrol 24 hours a day.

"There is a specific beat officer for Gerrards Cross and we have increased patrols in Gerrards Cross for an operation lasting the whole of the summer."

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Andrew Mottau of Amersham police on 01494 465888 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111