Local Priorities Shoplifting Concern Update

I wanted to provide you an update regarding Shoplifting, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team have continued to focus attentions on Mr Paul Haughey who is one of our most prolific offenders.

He has previously been issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which includes an exclusion zone and makes his entry into a number of shops in England and Wales a criminal offence.

We recently received intelligence that he was Cuckooing an address on Camden Road which was the home of one of his elderly relatives, using it as a base to go on shoplifting sprees and for other people to also bring back stolen items to later been sold on elsewhere. In addition to this he and his friends were causing anti-social behaviour (ASB) which was affecting neighbouring properties.

Officers obtained a Warrant which was executed last week, Mr Haughey wasn't present but while on the premises officers served paperwork notifying the residents of our intent to apply for a closure order. We attended court the next day and a full closure order was granted meaning that no one is allowed to be present at the address for a period of 3 months. Working with out partners from Camden Council we arranged for the vulnerable resident and her adult son to be rehomed away from Mr Haughey and Camden Town and secured the premises (pictured below).

In due course the property will be taken back by Camden Council allowing them to make use of the property for other residents of Camden.

Shoplifting is a crime that can have a substantial negative impact on local businesses across London. If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. 

For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter.

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.