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  "path": "/latest/shoplifting-crisis-hits-marks-spencer-stores/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-03T08:51:51.000Z",
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    "Shoplifting crisis hits Marks & Spencer stores",
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  "textContent": "Marks & Spencer has urged authorities to take stronger action against rising retail crime, following a series of shoplifting and violent incidents in its stores.\n\nRetail director Thinus Keeve said the situation is deteriorating, with employees regularly facing abuse and aggression at work. He called for police to be better equipped and supported to deal with the growing problem, according to an article published by the BBC on Friday.\n\nAdam Hawksbee, the company’s external affairs director, told BBC Radio 4 that organised crime groups have been targeting stores, leaving staff feeling anxious about coming to work.\n\nOver the weekend, police dealt with reports of disorder in Clapham, south London, where a large crowd of young people gathered and many entered an M&S branch.\n\nIn a newspaper article, Keeve revealed he had contacted London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to request additional backing for law enforcement, and a meeting between the mayor and M&S is expected soon.\n\nHe described several recent incidents, including gangs breaking into secured cabinets, individuals stealing large quantities of goods in plain sight, groups damaging stores, and violent attacks on staff. In one case, a worker was headbutted while trying to calm a situation, and another required hospital treatment after being assaulted with ammonia.\n\nKeeve stressed that retail crime is becoming more organised and aggressive, and said it should be treated as a widespread and escalating issue requiring a coordinated response from government, police, and businesses. He also called for quicker and more consistent policing, using existing tools to target repeat offenders and high-risk areas.\n\nM&S chief executive Stuart Machin has also contacted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood about the issue.\n\nHawksbee noted that while theft in retail is not new, it appears to have worsened in recent months. He said the company has already spent millions on security measures but believes further police involvement and better data use are necessary.\n\nA spokesperson for the London mayor said shoplifting has serious consequences and that efforts are being made to tackle repeat offenders using targeted strategies.\n\nCrime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones condemned the incidents and encouraged police to fully use their powers. She added that new measures will remove the previous threshold that limited prosecution for thefts under £200.\n\nPolice were called to Clapham High Street earlier this week after reports of young people attempting to enter shops and a restaurant, as well as starting fires and setting off fireworks.\n\nAuthorities have arrested six teenage girls in connection with two separate disturbances, which they say were influenced by online trends. Five people, including four police officers, were injured, and further arrests are expected.\n\nAhead of the Bank Holiday weekend, police have increased patrols and put additional plans in place to prevent further unrest.\n\nHawksbee said M&S had already been planning discussions with government officials before the Clapham events and urged leaders to work together to address the issue, warning that the situation is currently heading in the wrong direction.\n\nSimilar incidents involving groups of young people have also been reported elsewhere. In Rochdale, police introduced temporary measures after reports of harassment and damage, while in Solihull, restrictions were placed on gatherings following reports of disorder caused by children and teenagers.\n\nThe post Shoplifting crisis hits Marks & Spencer stores appeared first on HUM News English.",
  "title": "Shoplifting crisis hits Marks & Spencer stores"
}