Met Police crackdown on organized shoplifting gangs

(MENAFN) The Metropolitan Police has recovered thousands of stolen goods as part of a large-scale operation targeting organized shoplifting gangs.

Described by Scotland Yard as its “largest ever operation to tackle shoplifting,” officers raided more than 120 shops suspected of buying stolen merchandise from major retailers and reselling it at lower prices. Nine shops were ordered to close, and 32 people were arrested.

The recovered items, which included branded food, Lego sets, makeup, and electronic devices, were valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Superintendent Luke Baldock, who led the two-day operation, said: “We've made arrests, seized stolen goods and issued emergency closure orders. We will now need the support of the courts to secure longer closure orders and shut down these illicit shops for good.”

Other confiscated products included own-brand Lidl items such as honey, flour, rice, and lemon curd, boxes of Nespresso coffee pods, Starbucks travel mugs, and Waterstones umbrellas.

The 32 arrested individuals faced charges including handling stolen goods, drug offences, and immigration violations, with most released on bail.

Among the targeted shops was a mobile phone store in Woolwich, where officers discovered a hidden room behind a wall panel in the basement containing numerous mobiles and electronic devices, along with another secret compartment holding gaming consoles valued at approximately $63,500. Seven people connected to the store were arrested, and around 2,000 allegedly stolen phones were seized.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: “This operation sends a message that if you shoplift or trade in stolen goods, you will be brought to justice. We'll continue working with the Met to tackle the crimes of most concern to Londoners as we build a safer London for everyone.”

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