Arrests Over Alleged Mass Shoplifting Plans
Fifteen activists from the group Take Back Power, known for stunts targeting the Ritz Hotel and the Crown Jewels, were arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London over alleged plans for "mass shoplifting," the police confirmed.
The group had been preparing a campaign to steal goods from major supermarkets and redistribute them, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Interruption at Quaker Meeting House
The activists had gathered at the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster for what was described as "nonviolent direct action training." During this meeting, officers from the Met's Public Order Crime Team intervened and arrested the group on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft.
Following the arrests, one man was released on bail, while the remaining fourteen were taken into custody at various London police stations, where they continue to be held.
Background on Take Back Power
Take Back Power identifies itself as a non-violent civil resistance group. The group previously claimed responsibility for a December stunt in which apple crumble and custard were thrown at a display case containing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
Additionally, a few days prior to that incident, activists from the group targeted the Ritz Hotel by dumping bags of manure beside its Christmas tree.
In a related event, a similar operation took place at the Quaker Meeting House last March, resulting in the arrest of six Youth Demand activists.
Police Operation and Community Response
The recent operation involved more than 30 officers. The Quakers in Britain group condemned the arrests, stating that it was the first time in living memory that people had been arrested at one of their meeting houses.
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