Watch brazen London shoplifters who thought they could keep on stealing finally come unstuck

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/c67a83_1113f9429887444e89f5d94c3cc28372/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Officers are trialling new retail crime reporting technology designed to rapidly identify suspects as part of wider efforts to tackle shoplifting.

The technology, which has been piloted in areas such as Lewisham and central London since January, allows retailers to submit reports and CCTV footage instantly. This gives officers immediate access to high‑quality evidence at the point of reporting and helps identify repeat offenders operating across boroughs.

Since its rollout, the positive outcome rate – defined as an arrest, charge or conviction – is 21.4 per cent. That means more than one in five cases are being solved – well above the Met average of 14 per cent.

It comes as the Met solved nearly double the number of shoplifting offences last year and made almost 50 per cent more arrests – rising by 1,800.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said: “Cracking down on shoplifting is a clear priority for the Met. By strengthening neighbourhood teams, using better intelligence and focusing on hotspot locations, we are arresting repeat offenders who cause the most harm to retail staff and local businesses.

“We’re also using new technology to work faster and more effectively, giving officers a much clearer picture of offending and helping build stronger cases. Where we have trialled this retail crime technology, more than one in five shoplifting cases are being solved.

“Strong partnership with retailers is essential. When crimes are reported promptly and CCTV is shared quickly, officers can take decisive action.”

Across London, shoplifting fell by 3.7 per cent between 1 April 2025 and 31 March this year, compared with the previous year. That is about 3,200 fewer offences.

That work is being delivered through a collaborative approach that combines new technology with neighbourhood policing. By working closely with retailers and responding swiftly to reports, officers are able to take decisive action.

At present, just 20 per cent of shoplifting cases are submitted with CCTV evidence. Where clear CCTV is provided, officers are able to identify around 80 per cent of suspects by running images through facial recognition software and crime databases.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “Backed by record funding from City Hall, we’re redoubling our efforts to crackdown on shoplifting and antisocial behaviour across London. Advances in technology are a real game changer - allowing retailers and shop staff to report shoplifting incidents remotely using digital platforms and send evidence such as CCTV footage in real-time to help police identify culprits, make arrests, and secure prosecutions. This is already showing great results in parts of London.

“Latest figures show we’re making progress reducing shoplifting in London, but there’s more to do. The police will continue to work closely with businesses and use plain-clothed officers, extensive CCTV networks, and increased visible patrols to catch, arrest, and prosecute offenders, building a safer London for everyone.”

Sara Tetlow, Safer Business Network Partnership Manager said: “Lewisham is one of our longest-standing business crime reduction partnerships and it stands out for the strength of its collaboration across the day and night-time economy, from the shopping centre to the wider high street.

“Through real-time intelligence sharing, and close work with police, the council and businesses, we can quickly identify high-harm offenders, protect vulnerable people and respond to emerging issues.

“That partnership approach is delivering real impact, with 83% of businesses telling us they feel safer in Lewisham.”

Data from the platform shows the top 20 retailers account for 92.1 per cent of all recorded shoplifting offences in London, and 11 of those retailers are already using the new retail crime technology being piloted by the Met.

Since the pilot began, it has led to 482 charges, highlighting how improved evidence‑sharing and closer collaboration with retailers can significantly strengthen enforcement and drive positive outcomes.

VideoFootage:

00:00 – 01:26

A 38-year-old man charged with 39 offences, including shoplifting.

01:27 – 02:34

A 41-year-old man charged with six shoplifting offences.

02:35 – 03:22

A 38-year-old woman charged with 46 offences, including 23 counts of shoplifting and 23 breaches of criminal behaviour orders.

03:23 – 03:43

A 37-year-old woman Charged with 32 theft offences.