Activists Execute Coordinated 'Food Liberation' Shoplifting Operation
An activist group has openly admitted to orchestrating a mass shoplifting campaign across several UK cities, framing it as a "food liberation" initiative to redistribute stolen supermarket goods to local food banks. The group Take Back Power, which identifies as a non-violent civil resistance movement, confirmed that supporters simultaneously targeted supermarkets in London, Manchester, Exeter, and Truro on Saturday.
Details of the Coordinated Actions
According to the group's statements, activists entered supermarkets with boxes marked "these things are going to those that need them," filled them with food and necessities, and left without payment. The stolen items were then delivered to food bank drop-off points. In London, activists established a stall outside a Sainsbury's in Lewisham to distribute the "liberated" food directly to the community.
The Metropolitan Police reported that no arrests were made in London after shop staff indicated a group member later paid for the items. However, Take Back Power disputed this account, claiming their stall remained technically on supermarket property, meaning "no crime was committed" as goods never left the premises.
Police Responses and Previous Arrests
This incident follows the arrest of fifteen Take Back Power activists earlier this month on suspicion of planning a mass shoplifting campaign. Police halted a "non-violent direct action training" session at Westminster's Quaker Meeting House on March 5, detaining those present for conspiracy to commit theft.
In Exeter, security intercepted five supporters at a Morrisons supermarket, confiscating two of five boxes, though three were successfully delivered to a food bank. Manchester activists reportedly took food from a Tesco store and redistributed it via an Aldi drop-off point, while Truro supporters targeted Sainsbury's.
Moral Justification Amid Growing Crisis
A Take Back Power spokesperson defended the actions, stating: "What's legal isn't necessarily an indication of what's moral or right. I accept that going into shops and taking things without paying is against the law. But the real problem is the significant number of people relying on food banks." The spokesperson emphasized that such actions would continue, arguing ordinary people must act given the scale of national crisis.
The group has previously gained attention for stunts including throwing apple crumble at the Crown Jewels display and dumping manure at the Ritz Hotel. They advocate for a citizen-led assembly with taxation powers targeting the wealthy.
Greater Manchester Police and Devon and Cornwall Police have been approached for comment regarding the recent supermarket incidents, as authorities review CCTV evidence to verify claims about payment for stolen goods.
