Category Archives: Shoplifting

According to the Bloomberg UK website, retailers including Tesco and Sainsbury’s are calling on British police to focus on retail crime as the cost of living crisis is leading to an increase in shoplifting and other offences.

The appeal comes as the surging cost of energy, fuel and food leads to more reports of abuse and theft in UK stores.

The Teeside Live website reports that less than 20 people are responsible for 80% of shoplifting in Middlesbrough town centre.

Tony Parkinson, Chief Executive of the council, revealed the shocking statistic that came after ‘Operation Banton’ – a six-week blitz on crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Chronicle Live website reports that a prolific shoplifter with almost 300 previous convictions went on another stealing spree just days after being given a chance to go straight.

Neil Ganjel – now jailed for 30 weeks – was given a community order for 14 shop thefts but then continued to repeatedly target stores.

The Mirror website reports that people caught stealing essentials such as food are to be saved from prosecution under a ground-breaking pilot scheme in Liverpool, which is backed by the police.

Store security staff will point shoplifters towards local food banks or pantries and debt advice services instead of detaining them for arrest.

The News & Star website reports that a shoplifter has been sent back to jail after stealing a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and toiletries, days after being released from prison.

After being apprehended in Savers, Nicky Hewitson told a staff member, “Sorry, I don’t want to get arrested. I only got out on Friday. I’ve got no money.”

The Sussex Live website reports that a prolific thief has been banned from entering any branch of John Lewis, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, TK Maxx, Boots and Waterstones, amongst others.

The order was made by a court after Sam Bartlett was found guilty of stealing “thousands of pounds worth of items”.