Shoplifter Returns Three Times To Same Store Before Pushing Past Former Police Officer

A suspected shoplifter was filmed leaving a Sainsbury’s convenience store after being confronted by a retired Metropolitan Police officer who said he saw the man taking goods and hiding them under his bright orange and yellow jacket.

The officer said the man left after their first confrontation but returned to the store twice more. On the third visit, the officer confronted him again and tried to block his exit, but the man pushed past him and escaped.

The officer said he followed while calling out that he was dialing 999. He later contacted police and provided details before continuing to shop.

A passing response unit was eventually flagged down. Officers entered the store and obtained CCTV footage after being told the suspected thief’s details had already been circulated.

Store staff reportedly said they face several thefts every morning involving the same people. They said security is only provided in the afternoons and claimed they had stopped calling police because officers never come.