Robert Jenrick calls for security guards outside stores to be given more powers amid shoplifting ‘epidemic’
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A crackdown on retail crime by the Metropolitan Police has resulted in the arrest of 42 people and the recovery of tens of thousands of pounds of stolen goods.
Around 400 shops suspected of having bought and resold stolen goods were inspected by officers as part of a major operation, the force said.
Retailers and Trading Standards worked with the force to identify rogue businesses in the months before the operation.
Seized goods ranged from expensive cosmetics and electrical goods to food products.
Closure notices were issued for 11 shops.
The operation also targeted car boot sales suspected of being used to sell stolen tools.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said the Met operations targeted the minority of rogue businesses who “create a market for stolen goods and profit from criminality” for the benefit of honest retailers.
He said: “Over the last two weeks, Met officers have targeted every stage of the criminal chain, from prolific shoplifters stealing to order through to the shop owners buying and reselling stolen goods.
“Tens of thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen goods have been seized, shop owners arrested and businesses closed down.”
“Those results send a clear message: if you profit from retail crime, you will be arrested. Working alongside partners such as retailers and Trading Standards, we will use every power available to disrupt this criminality, protect honest businesses and make London’s high streets safer.”
The operation also targeted car boot sales suspected of selling tools, the Met added, noting that activity in Hounslow led to three arrests and the seizure of five pallets of suspected stolen tools and counterfeit Dyson products.
During a licensing check at a shop in Lewisham, officers identified suspected stolen Tesco tinned mackerel being sold, with further searches leading to the recovery of a machete and suspected stolen passports and driving licences stashed in a tin of sweets.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of offences including handling stolen goods and possession of an offensive weapon.
A separate check at a mobile phone shop in Brixton resulted in the arrests of three men on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering, the seizure of dozens of suspected stolen phones, and more than £5,000 in cash.
And at a store in Southall, 10 bottles of Boots suncream and three bottles were recovered, and a woman arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Our world-class retailers, high streets and town centres attract millions of visitors from across the UK and around the globe.
“Backed by record investment from City Hall, I’m pleased the Met is working closely with retailers and partners to disrupt every part of the shoplifting chain.
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. The lead up to Christmas is vital to London’s economy and we must do everything we can to prevent criminals exploiting busy shopping periods and inflicting so much misery on our hardworking business owners and staff.
He continued: “Thanks to intensified action by the Met and its partners, the number of shoplifting offences being solved has doubled, leading to 1,800 additional arrests.
“But there is more to do, and I will continue working with the police, retailers and local partners to make London a no-go zone for shoplifters and build a safer city for everyone.”
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