M&S Manager Describes 'Daily' Shoplifting Incidents Fueled by Shopping Lists
A regional manager for Marks & Spencer in Shropshire reports that shoplifters are increasingly entering stores with lists of items to steal, escalating the issue to a near-constant occurrence.
Shoplifters are entering Marks & Spencer stores with shopping lists in an effort to steal thousands of pounds worth of goods, according to a regional manager. Elisa Lewis, who oversees M&S stores in Shropshire, described shoplifting as a "really large issue" that can happen "daily, possibly even hourly."
Lewis noted that shoplifters come from various backgrounds, including individuals driven by addiction or financial hardship. "In my experience it can be anybody," she stated. "It can be a bored housewife who's just nicking a jacket for a bit of fun, and the people who we do catch are sometimes those we least expect." Some individuals have claimed they are "just doing it to survive," citing alcohol or drug dependence.
Marks and Spencer has a policy of issuing lifetime bans to shoplifters, which Lewis believes can be a significant deterrent, particularly for younger offenders. However, she also mentioned that the company has a process to understand motivations before taking action, acknowledging that some instances may be genuine accidents.
Lewis has observed a correlation between the cost of living and the level of shoplifting, noting that a "presence in the town" can deter offenders. In Shrewsbury town center, an increased police presence, including six officers and a sergeant since October, has reportedly led to a fall in shoplifting incidents. Insp. Ingrid Tozer of West Mercia Police stated that this increased visibility has had a positive impact, and the force believes it has issued criminal behavior orders to the most prolific offenders.
Encouraging businesses to report thefts has been a challenge, according to PC Joseph Bradley, who has worked in Shrewsbury for 16 years. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with traders to ensure they report incidents. Cath Harmer from Shrewsbury BID, a business representative group, echoed this, highlighting that retailers sometimes absorb theft losses rather than reporting them. Harmer, who coordinates the Shrewsbury Rangers security team that patrols the streets and assists shopkeepers and police, aims to ensure continued crime reporting from retailers.