The Metropolitan Police have arrested 42 people and issued closure notices to 11 shops during a two-week operation targeting businesses suspected of buying and reselling stolen goods across London.
The crackdown followed months of joint work between the Met, retailers and Trading Standards to identify businesses suspected of providing a market for stolen goods.
Around 400 shops suspected of trading in stolen merchandise were visited by officers, who seized tens of thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen stock, including cosmetics, electrical goods, food and mobile phones.
Retailers helped identify products frequently targeted by thieves, which were marked with SelectaDNA, a forensic marking solution that leaves a traceable code detectable under ultraviolet light. The technology can help police link recovered goods to the shops they were allegedly stolen from.
Police intelligence suggests some prolific shoplifters steal specific items to order, supplying businesses or individuals who resell the goods. Officers say these targeted requests help sustain the market for stolen products.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said the operation targeted different stages of the supply chain, from theft to the resale of goods.
‘Honest retailers have been clear that they want action against the minority of rogue businesses that fuel retail crime, undercut legitimate traders and damage confidence in our high streets,’ he said.
He added that the Met would continue working with retailers and Trading Standards to disrupt the trade in stolen goods and protect businesses.
Several incidents highlighted the range of items recovered during the operation.
In Hounslow, a warrant carried out with Trading Standards on 12 October led to the seizure of £15,000 in cash and 300 suspected stolen mobile phones. Two men were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and a three-month closure order was granted for the shop.
In Brixton, officers recovered dozens of suspected stolen mobile phones and more than £5,000 in cash from a mobile phone shop on 19 October. Three men were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering.
A licensing check at a shop in Lewisham on 19 October led to the discovery of suspected stolen tinned mackerel, a machete and suspected stolen passports and driving licences. Two suspects were arrested.
In Clapham, officers recovered about £1,000 worth of branded meat products, two knives and a quantity of suspected Class B drugs. Two people were arrested.
The operation also targeted car boot sales suspected of being used to sell stolen tools. In Hounslow, three people were arrested and five pallets of suspected stolen tools and counterfeit Dyson products were seized.
For the first time, the Met issued warning notices to car boot sale organisers, highlighting the potential for criminal liability if they knowingly facilitate, or ignore, the sale of stolen, counterfeit or illicit goods.
The police said they would continue working with partners to tackle retail crime and make London’s high streets safer.
Photo: Eyüpcan Timur
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