Forty-two people have been arrested and 11 shops have been issued with closure orders following a two-week operation by the Metropolitan Police to tackle stolen goods.
Part of Operation Zoridon, around 400 London shops suspected of buying and reselling stolen goods were visited by Met officers, with tens of thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen stock seized including cosmetics, electrical goods and food products.
Ahead of the operation, months of joint work between the Met, retailers and Trading Standards helped identify rogue businesses suspected of buying and selling stolen goods.
The operation also utilised SelectaDNA, a forensic marking solution that leaves a unique traceable code, identifiable under UV light, which was placed on products identified as most frequently targeted by thieves. This enabled officers to link recovered goods directly back to the stores they were stolen from.
Police intelligence shows that prolific shoplifters are stealing to order from major high street retailers, targeting specific products requested by those buying and reselling stolen goods. These ‘shopping lists’ help fuel the organised criminal supply chain.
During the operation, officers found numerous food products on sale that were suspected to be stolen from other stores. These included Tesco tinned mackerel, branded meat products from Sainsbury, Coop and Iceland to the value of £1,000, bottles of Boots suncream and M&S wine.
Other items seized included a machete, knives, large quantity of Class B drugs, large quantities of cash and suspected stolen mobile phones.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes explained the importance of the operation. “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. This Met operation has done exactly that, targeting those who create a market for stolen goods and profit from criminality.
“Over the last two weeks, Met officers have targeted every stage of the criminal chain, from prolific shoplifters stealing to order through to the shop owners buying and reselling stolen goods. Tens of thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen goods have been seized, shop owners arrested and businesses closed down.
“Those results send a clear message: if you profit from retail crime, you will be arrested. Working alongside partners such as retailers and Trading Standards, we will use every power available to disrupt this criminality, protect honest businesses and make London’s high streets safer.”
Commenting on the Met Police’s operation, Association of Convenience Stores chief executive, Ed Woodall, said: “We fully support the Met’s efforts to shut down those selling stolen goods in the capital, and need to continue disrupting the illicit networks that steal from legitimate retailers, prop up dodgy shops, and engage in a long list of other criminal activity. Responsible local shops remain committed to doing their part by investing thousands in each store on crime prevention and detection measures to ensure the police have the evidence they need to take action.”
The operation also targeted car boot sales suspected of being used to sell stolen tools. Activity in Hounslow led to three arrests, with officers seizing five pallets of suspected stolen tools as well as counterfeit Dyson products.
The Met also issued warning notices to car boot sale organisers, making clear they could face criminal liability if they knowingly facilitate or ignore the sale of stolen, counterfeit and illicit goods at their events.
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