Calls for Crackdown on Retail Crime at M&S
Marks & Spencer's retail director has urged for intensified measures against retail crime following numerous incidents of shoplifting and violence at the company's stores.
Thinus Keeve emphasized the need for police to be adequately resourced to address the problem, which he described as "getting worse, not better," with retail employees encountering "abuse and violence in their workplace every day."
Adam Hawksbee, M&S external affairs director, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the stores have been targeted by organised criminal gangs, resulting in staff feeling "worried about coming into work."
Recent Incidents in Clapham
Police responded to reports of anti-social behaviour involving a group of "several hundred young people" last weekend in Clapham, south London, with many observed entering an M&S store.
In a Telegraph article, Keeve revealed he had written to London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan requesting additional support for police efforts. It is understood that the mayor will meet with M&S representatives soon.
"In the past week alone we have had gangs forcing open locked cabinets and stripping shelves, two men brazenly emptying the shelves of steak and walking out, a large group of young people ransacking a store before assaulting a security guard, a colleague headbutted trying to defuse a situation and another hospitalised after having ammonia thrown in their face."
"We need to recognise this for what it is. A systemic issue. A growing issue. And one that demands a co-ordinated response across government, policing and industry."
Growing Concerns Over Retail Crime
Keeve described retail crime as becoming "more brazen, more organised and more aggressive." He called for a "stronger, faster and more consistent police response," utilising existing tools to target repeat offenders and crime hotspots.
According to Keeve, M&S chief executive Stuart Machin has also written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood regarding the issue.
Hawksbee noted that while retail crime has historically existed, "it does feel in the past weeks and months that the problem is getting worse." He added that M&S has invested "tens of millions" into security measures but acknowledged that there is "only so much you can do" without enhanced police intervention and greater use of data to identify crime hotspots.
Official Responses
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated:
"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and the mayor fully supports the Met Police's data-driven and targeted approach to tackling prolific offenders."
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones described the incidents as "disgraceful" and urged police to utilise all available tools to protect workers and hold offenders accountable.
"We're giving police stronger powers, ending the immunity for thefts under £200 so that shoplifters can be prosecuted," she added.
Further Incidents and Police Actions
Approximately 100 officers were deployed to Clapham High Street on Tuesday in response to reports of young people attempting to access shops and a restaurant. The group also ignited fires and set off fireworks on Clapham Common.
Six teenage girls were arrested following two separate incidents of anti-social behaviour described by the Metropolitan Police as "fuelled by online trends."
Five individuals were assaulted during these events, including four police officers. The Met indicated that additional arrests are anticipated in the coming days.
In preparation for the Bank Holiday weekend, the Met announced an increase in officer numbers and the implementation of a "strong policing plan... to prevent and deal with any future disorder."
Hawksbee mentioned that M&S leadership had planned to contact the Home Secretary and London Mayor prior to the Clapham incident.
He called on local and national leaders to "all get round the table, roll our sleeves up and try to deal with this challenge because at the moment it feels like it's going in the wrong direction."
Similar Incidents Across the Country
Reports of anti-social behaviour involving teenagers have also emerged in other regions recently.
In Rochdale, police imposed a dispersal order on Friday and Saturday after groups were "reported to be harassing staff and causing criminal damage."
West Midlands Police enforced restrictions on gatherings in Solihull for 36 hours starting Monday following reports of "children and teenagers" causing criminal damage.
Additional reporting by Ella Kipling.
