Police Arrest 'Prolific' Shoplifter in Boots Store
Safer Neighbourhoods Teams crackdown on theft on High Road
Local shops have been plagued with theft for some time
. Picture: Met Police
August 14, 2023
Local police are claiming a significant success with the arrest of what they describe as a prolific shoplifter on Chiswick High Road this week.
Members of the Chiswick Riverside, Chiswick Gunnersbury and Chiswick Homefields Safer Neighbourhoods team were all involved in detaining a suspect in Boots this Wednesday (9 August).
On social media, they attributed the swift identification of the suspect to great teamwork.
Shops on Chiswick High Road have long been plagued with persistent loss due to theft and it remains to be seen if this arrest reduces the problem. Previously shop owners have complained that persistent shoplifters have returned to their activities after previously being arrested. Many of them suffer with issues with addiction and are not deterred by the prospect of arrest.
Krishna of Whistles in Chiswick said, "Last couple of weeks its been more frequent - a few times a week. I've spoken to the other stores locally - Oliver Bonas, Jigsaw & Mint Velvet who have all had similar problems in last few weeks.
"Usually we have such instances 6-7 times a year, but at the moment it is a bit worrying. It seems to be the same group of male (junkies) who all come in individually and take 5-10 items at a time. They seem to be getting more aggressive recently and are coming in more frequently. We have had to operate with a locked door policy to deter them and to ensure staff feel more safe."
The Met Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley has recently visited the borough and nearby Ealing to outline his new plan for policing in London which places greater emphasis on neighbourhood policing. A superintendent is being appointed in every borough to lead this effort.
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