A female staff member at a Dunstable tack shop wrestled a thief to the ground after he tried to steal two pairs of clippers.
The man entered TC Feeds and Tack Haven, in Kensworth, Dunstable, at 12.46pm on 24 October.
He selected two horse clipper sets and made off without paying but the woman gave chase and pinned him to the floor.
The thief threatened to stab the shop worker and managed to escape, making off in a vehicle towards the A5.
The clippers were recovered.
Bedfordshire Police is asking rural businesses, and owners of livestock in the area to be vigilant.
Report any suspicious visitors or vehicles to the police control centre on 01234 841212.
