Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has voiced support for a Morrisons manager who was dismissed after confronting a shoplifter. Sean Egan, 46, was sacked from the Aldridge store near Walsall following an incident in December in which he tackled a repeat offender reportedly stealing two bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Mr Egan, who had worked at the supermarket for 29 years, said the shoplifter spat at him after becoming aggressive when being escorted out.
Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Sir Mark said he was “bewildered” by the case and “completely” sympathised with the former store manager. He encouraged members of the public to intervene if they felt able to do so “safely” and were “confident” in their own physical ability, adding that such actions are part of keeping communities safe. However, he noted that most people do not feel physically equipped to routinely confront shoplifters.
The commissioner’s comments come amid a surge in shoplifting across London and the UK. Sir Mark highlighted that the number of shoplifting offences being prosecuted in London has doubled in the past year, with retailers increasingly using technology to submit reports and CCTV footage instantly. Many stores are also hiring additional security staff to deter theft, including some Costa Coffee outlets.
Morrisons declined to comment specifically on Mr Egan’s case but stated: “We are confident that this matter was investigated thoroughly and that the correct process was followed. The subsequent reporting does not reflect the full facts of the situation.” The supermarket chain is understood to have a policy of “deter not detain” for shoplifters.
