Tedros Menges, 22, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a violent shoplifting incident in Enfield, north London, during which he attacked a security guard with a saw and strangled a store manager. The attack occurred on 12 July 2025 at a retail store on the High Road.
Attack and arrest
Menges initially attempted to steal jogging bottoms but fled when spotted. He soon realised he had dropped his phone and returned to demand it back. When staff refused, he left again, only to come back armed with a saw. He then launched a vicious assault, attacking a security guard with the saw, strangling the manager, and threatening other employees. A panic alarm was triggered, and police arrived within two minutes. After a short pursuit, Menges was arrested in a nearby car park.
At Wood Green Crown Court, Menges was convicted of grievous bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.
Police and industry reaction
Chief Superintendent Anna McCartney of the Metropolitan Police 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. The Met remains fully committed to protecting shopworkers and tackling retail-related violence across London.”
Rising retail crime
The incident highlights a broader surge in retail violence. Data obtained for The Express' Stop the Shoplifters crusade reveals that 80% of UK retailers have suffered from crime in the past 12 months. Three-quarters of retailers say crime continues to rise despite government promises to tackle the issue. More than 10% of retailers report that employees have been threatened with weapons, and one in 20 say staff have been physically attacked with them.
