|
I wanted to provide you an update regarding Shoplifting, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. On Thursday last week (16th April) a prolific offender stole three whole lamb legs and a carrier bag from Waitrose, St John’s Road SW11. Staff attempted to stop him despite him apparently intimating that he had a knife but he got away. Police were called and a good description of the shoplifter was given but he could not be found.
The next day, PC Jones from Northcote SNT and PC Hale and PCSO Warrell from Lavender SNT were asked to go to the store to carry out follow up enquiries. While they were inside talking to the manager and reviewing CCTV, another staff member saw the same male from the previous day, walk in to Waitrose and recognised him. He left the store without stealing anything that day but store staff chased after him followed by PC Jones, PC Hale and PCSO Warrell.
In the street outside the store, PC Jones attempted to grab hold of the suspect but he got away and tried to run. I say “tried to” because PCSO Warrell, (best 5k time = 28 minutes) soon caught up with him and he was arrested.
The male was charged with shoplifting and appeared at Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.
He was found guilty and sentenced to one week in prison for the theft from Waitrose, and an additional six weeks imprisonment because this offence activated a previous suspended sentence order.
It is sometimes written in the press or on social media that shop staff are told not to challenge shoplifters, or that Police don’t arrest people who are caught shoplifting – but this excellent piece of work by officers from your local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams shows that this is not always true. The well known shoplifter, who was described by the judge as having “a flagrant disregard for people and their property”, did get arrested and put before the courts.
 Shoplifting is a crime that can have a substantial negative impact on local businesses across London. If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
