The Metropolitan Police has successfully retrieved thousands of stolen items in a major initiative against organized shoplifting syndicates.
Described by Scotland Yard as their “largest operation to combat shoplifting,” officers conducted raids on over 120 retailers suspected of purchasing stolen merchandise from prominent retailers and reselling it at discounted prices.
As a result of these efforts, nine stores have been ordered to cease operations, and 32 individuals were taken into custody.
According to the police, the recovered merchandise—which included branded food products, Lego sets, cosmetics, and electronic devices—was valued at several hundred thousand pounds.
Superintendent Luke Baldock, who oversaw the two-day operation, remarked, “We’ve made arrests, confiscated stolen property, and issued emergency closure orders.”
He added, “We will now seek the courts’ assistance to obtain longer-term closure orders to permanently shut down these illegal establishments.”
The operation also uncovered a variety of other seized items, including Lidl’s own-brand products like honey, flour, rice, and lemon curd, along with boxes of Nespresso coffee pods, Starbucks travel mugs, and umbrellas from Waterstones.
The individuals arrested were charged with varying offenses such as handling stolen goods, drug-related crimes, and immigration infractions.
Most of those detained have been released on bail, according to Scotland Yard.
Among the establishments targeted was a mobile phone store in Woolwich, which contained a hidden room behind a wall panel in the basement filled with a significant number of mobile phones and electronic gadgets, as well as another concealed area housing gaming consoles valued at around £50,000, according to the Met.
Seven people associated with this store were arrested, and nearly 2,000 phones thought to be stolen were confiscated.
London’s Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan stated, “This operation conveys a clear message that those who shoplift or deal in stolen goods will face justice.”
He further emphasized, “We will continue collaborating with the Met to address the crimes that matter most to Londoners as we strive to create a safer city for all.”
