Anti-Capitalist Group Coordinates Nationwide Supermarket Shoplifting Campaign
Activists from the group Take Back Power have initiated a coordinated mass shoplifting operation across the United Kingdom today, specifically targeting major supermarket chains including Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons. The group, which declares its mission to 'tax the rich to fix Britain,' aims to 'liberate' produce from these stores, with actions reported in cities such as Manchester, London, Exeter, and Truro.
Footage and Claims of Redistribution
The anti-capitalist organization shared footage on Saturday morning showing activists stealing products from a Morrisons store in Exeter. They announced plans to extend their activities to stores in the capital later in the day. According to the group, all food taken during the morning raids was delivered to food bank donation points to assist those in need. In a statement, Take Back Power emphasized, 'All the food we liberated this morning was delivered to food bank donation points, to go to the people who need it most.'
The activists justified their actions by criticizing income disparities, noting that the CEO of Sainsbury's earns 239 times more than an average full-time employee. They argued, 'The super rich don't need a "magic money tree" when they freely pick the pockets of working people every single day. It's theft. Nothing more, nothing less.'
Security Confrontations and Lack of Arrests
Although the group reported that activists were confronted by security staff in Exeter and London, no arrests have been made as of yet, according to sources. The Daily Mail understands that despite these confrontations, law enforcement has not taken any individuals into custody. This incident is part of a broader campaign that the group had announced back in January, with plans to 'paralyse' the capital through similar actions.
History of High-Profile Stunts
Take Back Power has previously gained attention for various stunts, including smearing crumble and custard over a glass case containing the Crown Jewels and pouring manure onto the floor of The Ritz hotel in Mayfair. Today's shoplifting spree marks the beginning of what they describe as a Robin Hood-style campaign of 'civil disobedience.' Organizers detailed these plans at an open launch event attended by the Mail, where they outlined intentions to 'take over' high-end stores and raid food stores as part of a week of action in April.
Leadership and Long-Term Goals
Co-founder Arthur Clifton, 25, who attended the prestigious Latymer Upper School with annual fees of £30,000, addressed over 140 potential activists at the launch. He explained that the shoplifting actions are part of a long-term strategy aimed at mass-mobilizing 10,000 supporters to carry out acts of civil disobedience by the 2029 election. Clifton, who has prior convictions for protests with Just Stop Oil, stated that up to 100 activists at a time plan to enter food stores like Marks and Spencer in London and 'strip the shelves.'
Context of Rising Shoplifting Rates
This activist-led shoplifting occurs against a backdrop of a significant increase in shoplifting crimes across Britain. Police recorded a record 810 shoplifting offences per day last year, with 295,589 cases closed without identifying a suspect in 2024-25—equivalent to 34 offences shelved hourly. Shoplifting levels have doubled since the pandemic and risen by 20 percent since the Labour government came into power.
Analysis for the Liberal Democrats reveals that a record number of cases are being dropped by police, with a 65 percent increase in unsolved shoplifting offences compared to five years ago. Last year, only 19 percent of shoplifting cases led to a suspect being charged or summoned, while 55 percent were closed without a suspect identified. Separate Office for National Statistics figures show that between April 2024 and March 2025, police recorded 530,643 shoplifting offences, averaging one per minute.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing shoplifting, compounded by activist groups like Take Back Power leveraging these trends for their political agenda.
