Met expands shoplifting crackdown after tech boosts arrests, charges

The Metropolitan Police said the technology, now being used in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley, streamlines the process for retailers to submit evidence such as CCTV footage and witness statements.

This has led to faster investigations.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for business crime, said: "Tackling retail crime remains a top priority for the Met.

New technology has helped officers at the UK’s biggest police force crack down on shoplifting in London, the Metropolitan Police said (Image: Newsquest)

"Reported shoplifting offences across London are down by almost four per cent, but we’re not taking our foot off the pedal as evidenced by this continued use of new tech.

"Shoplifters should be under no illusion – we are increasing our capability to catch you and put you before the courts."

The technology has already been piloted in six London boroughs, including Westminster and Greenwich, with major retailers like Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer, and Greggs taking part.

In recent cases in the capital, a teen shoplifterwas spared jail after stealing more than £100,000 worth of goods from Boots and Holland & Barrett stores across London.

Scotland Yard said the tech is being used by retail giants including Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Greggs – whose bosses have spoken out about the impact of the surge in retail crime on their businesses (Image: Google.)

Meanwhile, Michael Belgrave, 55, was jailed for nine months in June after stealing more than £4,000 worth of items from shops including Greggs and BP.

He was also handed a five-year criminal behaviour order banning him from entering any Greggs, BP or Holland & Barrett in England and Wales.

READ MORE:

• The London TfL tube and tram closures this week
• London bus fares - unlimited weekend travel for £1.75 
• London rail stations getting taller ticket barriers

Following its success, the Met is expanding the scheme to eight more boroughs including Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Bromley, Hillingdon, Ealing, and Hounslow, as well as Croydon.

Julie Murphy, vice president for Boots’ London and travel division, said: "The results published by the Met today show that we are making progress in bearing down on shop theft, and Boots is pleased to be supporting the roll-out of direct to police reporting via the platform to a further eight London boroughs."

The force said the platform has led to a major increase in enforcement action.

In cases where it has been used, officers have recorded a caution, charge or other criminal disposal in 29.4 per cent of cases, compared with just 7.3 per cent before the system was introduced.