Video shows Waitrose thefts as staff say they are told not to intervene
Clerkenwell store clip shows two men loading alcohol into Deliveroo bags; staff say they are instructed not to confront thieves amid wider sentencing reform debate.
Shameless thieves have been caught on camera stuffing bottles of alcohol from Waitrose into Deliveroo bags, as staff say they are told not to intervene. The footage shows two men in hoodies and balaclavas taking at least 13 bottles in about 45 seconds, then walking out through the shop past the checkout as shoppers watch in disbelief at the Clerkenwell store in London.
The clip was circulated online by Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, who criticized Labour for what he called losing control of Britain’s streets and warned that scrapping prison sentences for shoplifters would worsen the problem. "This is the reality of Sadiq Khan's London. It's a complete and utter disgrace. And Labour are about to make this even worse by scrapping prison sentences for shoplifters."
Store security guard Craig Wincarr, contacted by The Sun, said employees are instructed not to stop thieves. "They basically come in most evenings and go for the alcohol and it boils my blood. We can't do anything about it as we're told not to tackle them. We're basically here as a deterrent for middle-class chancers, not professionals. I feel like a lemon these days." Shopper Alison Wigmore, 73, said she yelled at two teenagers to stop them stealing alcohol. She added, "I get that the justice system is on its knees, but how are businesses supposed to survive if the police they pay for with taxes won't keep law and order at a minimum?"
The incidents come as Labour outlines broad reforms to sentencing laws that would spare tens of thousands of shoplifters, thugs and even sex offenders from prison and extend the maximum length of suspended sentences from two to three years. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the plan "madness" and argued that prison works, especially for serial and serious offenders. "Shoplifters, sex offenders and drug dealers will now avoid prison under Labour's soft justice plans. Prison works. Serial and serious offenders belong in one place: inside."
In the context of UK law, theft valued under £200 carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail, or a fine. The policy discussion comes amid ongoing concerns about crime and public safety in urban retail settings.
The Metropolitan Police and Waitrose were contacted for comment, but no further statement was provided at this time.