Tedros Menges, 22, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a violent shoplifting incident in Enfield, north London, in July last year. He attacked a security guard with a saw, strangled the store manager, and threatened other staff members after attempting to steal a pair of jogging bottoms.
Details of the Attack
Menges initially fled the store when spotted by staff, but returned after realizing he had left his phone behind. When staff refused to return it, he left again and came back armed with a saw. He then assaulted a security guard with the weapon and strangled the manager, leaving two people injured. Police arrived within two minutes of a panic alarm and arrested Menges in a nearby car park, with body-worn cameras capturing the moment.
Conviction and Sentencing
Menges was convicted of grievous bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon. He was sentenced at Wood Green Court on Friday and will remain on license for three years after release.
Police Response
Chief Superintendent Anna McCartney, responsible for policing north London including Enfield, said: “Violence and abuse directed at shopworkers has a real impact on victims, businesses and the wider community. Staff should never have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs. This dangerous attack left two people injured and the sentence today reflects the severity of the offending. Those who think they can intimidate or harm retail workers should be under no illusion – we will pursue offenders relentlessly, take weapons off the streets and bring those responsible before the courts.”
Broader Impact
The Metropolitan Police has been working to tackle retail violence and shopworker abuse. Across London, shoplifting fell by 3.7% between 1 April 2025 and 31 March this year, compared with the previous year—around 3,200 fewer offences. Last year, the Met solved nearly double the number of shoplifting cases and made almost 50% more arrests.
