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You raised shoplifting as a concern, so here’s a quick local update. A prolific shoplifter who has repeatedly targeted businesses in the Blackfriars Road area has been charged with multiple offences following proactive work by officers and retail partners.
The male was charged on 12 September 2026 with a number of shop theft and related offences following an investigation into persistent offending at Sainsbury's Blackfriars Road and surrounding locations.
As part of the investigation, officers identified that the individual was also wanted on several outstanding warrants relating to other acquisitive crime offences. Following his arrest, those matters have now been brought before the courts, ensuring he is held accountable for a wider pattern of offending.
In recognition of the significant impact his behaviour has had on local businesses, staff, and the wider community, police have also commenced the process of obtaining a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). If granted by the court, the order would place additional restrictions on the offender and provide further protection to retailers and members of the public by helping to prevent future offending.
This result highlights the strong partnership working between neighbourhood policing teams, response officers, investigators, and local retailers, who have continued to share information and evidence to tackle repeat offenders.
A police spokesperson said:
"Shoplifting is far from a victimless crime. Persistent offenders can have a significant impact on retail staff, businesses, and the wider community. We are committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for repeat offending and will continue to work closely with our retail partners to bring offenders before the courts.
The commencement of Criminal Behaviour Order proceedings demonstrates our determination not only to prosecute offences that have already occurred, but also to prevent further criminality and protect local businesses from ongoing harm."
Police continue to encourage businesses to report all incidents of retail crime and submit CCTV or witness evidence where available, ensuring that repeat offenders can be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.
Outcome
Male charged with multiple offences on 12 September 2026.
Several outstanding warrants executed and progressed through the criminal justice process.
Application process for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) commenced.
Positive outcome achieved through effective partnership working between police and local retailers.
 The Met is cracking down on street crime, like shoplifting, people doing drugs and phone-snatching. We’ve put hundreds more officers on the frontlines of community crime-fighting teams, upping visible patrols in the right ‘hot spots’ so we can deter and catch criminals. We’re now arresting more than 1,000 extra criminals every month and seeing ‘neighbourhood crime’ down 14%. But we know there is more to do. That’s why we’re stepping up our use of technology, increasing our operations and working with retailers to make it less appealing for criminals to commit these crimes in the first place. 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. | 
