Marks & Spencer’s retail director has called for urgent action to address the escalating issue of retail crime, particularly incidents of shoplifting and violence affecting employees in its stores.
Thinus Keeve emphasized the need for police to receive adequate resources to combat this growing problem, stating that the situation is „getting worse, not better,“ with retail workers facing daily instances of „abuse and violence in their workplace.“
Concerns Over Organized Crime
Adam Hawksbee, M&S’s external affairs director, shared his concerns during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, highlighting that organized criminal gangs have increasingly targeted their stores, leaving employees feeling „worried about coming into work.“
Last weekend, police responded to reports of anti-social behavior involving a large group of „several hundred young people“ in Clapham, south London, many of whom were seen entering an M&S location.
In a letter to London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Keeve urged for additional support for law enforcement. It is anticipated that the mayor will meet with M&S representatives soon.
Recent Incidents Highlight Severity
In his commentary published in the Telegraph, Keeve detailed several alarming incidents that occurred within the past week, including:
- Gangs forcing open locked cabinets and emptying shelves.
- Two men openly stealing large quantities of steak.
- A group of young individuals ransacking a store and assaulting a security guard.
- A colleague who was headbutted while attempting to defuse a situation.
- Another employee hospitalized after ammonia was thrown in their face.
„We need to recognize this for what it is. A systemic issue. A growing issue. And one that demands a coordinated response across government, policing, and industry,“ Keeve stated.
Calls for Stronger Police Response
According to Keeve, retail crime has become „more brazen, more organized, and more aggressive.“ He asserted that a stronger, faster, and more consistent police response is necessary, utilizing existing tools to target repeat offenders and crime hotspots.
M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin has also reached out to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood regarding the issue, as noted by Keeve.
Hawksbee remarked that while retail crime has always been a concern, it appears to have intensified in recent weeks and months. He mentioned that M&S has invested „tens of millions“ into security measures, but emphasized that there is a limit to what can be achieved without further police involvement and enhanced data usage to identify crime hotspots.
Government Response and Community Impact
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated, „Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and the mayor fully supports the Met Police’s data-driven and targeted approach to tackling prolific offenders.“
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones condemned the incidents as „disgraceful“ and urged law enforcement to utilize all available resources to protect workers and hold offenders accountable. She noted, „We are giving police stronger powers, ending the immunity for thefts under £200 so that shoplifters can be prosecuted.“
Approximately 100 officers were deployed to Clapham High Street on Tuesday following reports of young people attempting to access shops and restaurants, as well as engaging in destructive behavior such as lighting fires and setting off fireworks on Clapham Common.
Six teenage girls were arrested in connection with two separate incidents of anti-social behavior, which the Met Police attributed to being „fuelled by online trends.“
In total, five individuals were assaulted, including four police officers, with the Met Police indicating that further arrests are expected in the coming days.
Increased Police Presence and Future Plans
In anticipation of the Bank Holiday weekend, the Met Police announced an increase in officer presence and implemented a „strong policing plan“ to prevent and address any potential future disturbances.
Hawksbee noted that M&S leadership had intended to reach out to the Home Secretary and the London Mayor prior to the Clapham incident. He called for local and national leaders to collaborate and address this pressing challenge, stating, „At the moment, it feels like it’s going in the wrong direction.“
Reports of anti-social behavior involving teenagers have emerged from various regions across the country in recent days. In Rochdale, police enforced a dispersal order over the weekend due to groups harassing staff and causing damage. Similarly, West Midlands Police imposed restrictions on gatherings in Solihull for 36 hours after reports of criminal damage by minors.
Additional reporting was contributed by Ella Kipling.
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