MP Witnesses Brazen Shoplifting, Confronts Met Police Chief Over Staff Inaction
Labour MP Joani Reid has expressed her shock after confronting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley about a brazen shoplifting incident she witnessed firsthand. The MP described seeing a man systematically emptying shelves of high-value hair products in a central London store, loading them into a bag and trolley before walking out unchallenged.
Staff Response Leaves MP 'Taken Aback'
What stunned Reid most was the reaction from store employees. "I said to the staff 'are you not going to call 999?'" she recounted to Sir Mark during a Home Affairs Select Committee hearing. "'No, we don't bother anymore,' she said. 'That's the second time that's happened today.'"
The MP emphasized this was not minor theft: "We're not talking about one or two goods, he cleared the whole shelves." She noted staff showed complete indifference to the crime, prompting her to report it herself. "They were so unfazed by this. I was really quite taken aback," Reid told the police chief.
Police Chief Acknowledges Retail Sector Challenges
Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged receiving variable responses from retailers regarding shoplifting. "I recognise a very variable response from shops to shoplifting in their premises," he stated. "We encourage them all to report it."
The Commissioner revealed significant challenges in prosecuting retail crime, citing uncooperative businesses: "Some of them don't report anything. If we go there, they don't give us the CCTV of the crime, they won't give us any statements. They don't allow their staff to have time to do statements, and they don't pay their staff to go to court to give evidence." He called this situation "unacceptable."
Government Response and Rising Crime Statistics
The confrontation comes amid government promises to address retail crime through enhanced neighborhood policing and legislative changes. Current policies making thefts under £200 less likely to face prosecution are under review.
Official statistics underscore the growing problem. According to Office for National Statistics data for the year to September 2025, shoplifting offences increased by 5%, with 519,381 cases recorded compared to 492,660 the previous year.
Police Efforts and Prosecution Rates
Sir Mark highlighted police efforts to combat the issue, noting: "We're close to doubling the number of shoplifting cases we're prosecuting." He described operations targeting resale networks: "We've noticed goods stolen from supermarkets being sold in corner shops. We've closed down lots of corner shops as a consequence."
The Commissioner emphasized determination to address retail crime: "We're determined to bear down on this." He also noted retailers have been improving security systems, though reporting and cooperation remain inconsistent across the sector.
