A SECURITY worker was left shaken after finding a dangerous weapon in the toilets of a Sainsbury's store.

A large sharp knife was found in the toilet cubicle of Sainsbury's in Pitwines Close, Poole, on September 5.

Once found, officers were called and the weapon was taken to a nearby police station.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 12.29pm that a knife had been located in a toilet cubicle at Sainsbury's in Pitwines Close in Poole.

“The knife was subsequently handed in at Poole Police Station and the relevant notifications have been made.”

The person who discovered the knife is a security worker and wishes to remain anonymous. 

They said: “I am frightened and shocked to see how much knife crime against retail, security and police has increased in our communities.

“We are faced with shoplifters every day. We are faced with threatening behaviour and violence including the threats of weapons when we try and stop or deter shoplifters.”

This discovery comes days after Dorset Police announced a new initiative to tackle knife crime.

Read more: Compensation paid to surrender zombie knives in Dorset

The month-long initiative sees compensation paid to people who surrender zombie knives and machetes and meet the criteria ahead of law changes at the end of the month.