Police searching for man in balaclava after robbery at shop in Kilmarnock

Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Kilmarnock.

The incident took place at around 4.30pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at a shop on Knockinlaw Road, near the junction with Western Road. Nothing was taken during the incident.

The suspect is described as a man wearing black clothing and a black balaclava.

Detective Constable Chris Pringle said no one was injured but staff were left shaken. He added that enquiries are ongoing and officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident.

He said: “Thankfully, no-one was injured however staff were left shaken by the incident.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us.

“We’d also ask anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage of the area on Friday afternoon to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 2460 of Friday, 16 January, 2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.