Shoplifting crisis hits Marks & Spencer stores

Marks & Spencer has urged authorities to take stronger action against rising retail crime, following a series of shoplifting and violent incidents in its stores.

Retail director Thinus Keeve said the situation is deteriorating, with employees regularly facing abuse and aggression at work. He called for police to be better equipped and supported to deal with the growing problem, according to an article published by the BBC on Friday.

Adam Hawksbee, the company’s external affairs director, told BBC Radio 4 that organised crime groups have been targeting stores, leaving staff feeling anxious about coming to work.

Over the weekend, police dealt with reports of disorder in Clapham, south London, where a large crowd of young people gathered and many entered an M&S branch.

In a newspaper article, Keeve revealed he had contacted London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to request additional backing for law enforcement, and a meeting between the mayor and M&S is expected soon.

He described several recent incidents, including gangs breaking into secured cabinets, individuals stealing large quantities of goods in plain sight, groups damaging stores, and violent attacks on staff. In one case, a worker was headbutted while trying to calm a situation, and another required hospital treatment after being assaulted with ammonia.

Keeve stressed that retail crime is becoming more organised and aggressive, and said it should be treated as a widespread and escalating issue requiring a coordinated response from government, police, and businesses. He also called for quicker and more consistent policing, using existing tools to target repeat offenders and high-risk areas.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin has also contacted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood about the issue.

Hawksbee noted that while theft in retail is not new, it appears to have worsened in recent months. He said the company has already spent millions on security measures but believes further police involvement and better data use are necessary.

A spokesperson for the London mayor said shoplifting has serious consequences and that efforts are being made to tackle repeat offenders using targeted strategies.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones condemned the incidents and encouraged police to fully use their powers. She added that new measures will remove the previous threshold that limited prosecution for thefts under £200.

Police were called to Clapham High Street earlier this week after reports of young people attempting to enter shops and a restaurant, as well as starting fires and setting off fireworks.

Authorities have arrested six teenage girls in connection with two separate disturbances, which they say were influenced by online trends. Five people, including four police officers, were injured, and further arrests are expected.

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, police have increased patrols and put additional plans in place to prevent further unrest.

Hawksbee said M&S had already been planning discussions with government officials before the Clapham events and urged leaders to work together to address the issue, warning that the situation is currently heading in the wrong direction.

Similar incidents involving groups of young people have also been reported elsewhere. In Rochdale, police introduced temporary measures after reports of harassment and damage, while in Solihull, restrictions were placed on gatherings following reports of disorder caused by children and teenagers.