Met Police Executes Largest Shoplifting Crackdown, Arrests 32, Shuts Nine London Stores

The Metropolitan Police conducted Operation Zoridon, the largest ever crackdown on organized shoplifting gangs in London, targeting over 120 shops suspected of reselling stolen goods at discounted prices. The operation resulted in 32 arrests, the seizure of thousands of stolen items worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, and emergency closure orders for nine shops, most of which were convenience stores. Among the seized items were branded food, make-up, electrical devices, and a significant haul from a Woolwich mobile phone store containing about 2,000 stolen phones and gaming consoles valued at around £50,000. Superintendent Luke Baldock emphasized the link between shoplifting gangs and broader criminal activities, calling for court support to enforce longer shop closures. London Mayor Sadiq Khan supported the operation, stating it sends a clear message that trading in stolen goods will lead to justice and reinforcing efforts to build a safer city. Separately, police in West Bromwich are investigating the theft of hundreds of pounds from a man in his 70s while shopping, with released images of a suspect sought for information.