""We've made arrests, seized stolen goods and issued emergency closure orders. "We will now need the support of the courts to secure longer closure orders and shut down these illicit shops for good.""
""This operation sends a message that if you shoplift or trade in stolen goods, you will be brought to justice. "We'll continue working with the Met to tackle the crimes of most concern to Londoners as we build a safer London for everyone.""
The Metropolitan Police recovered thousands of stolen items worth hundreds of thousands of pounds during a two-day operation targeting organised shoplifting gangs. Officers raided more than 120 shops suspected of buying stolen goods and reselling them cheaply, ordered nine shops to close and arrested 32 people. Seized goods included branded food, Lego, make-up, electrical devices, Lidl own-brand products, Nespresso pods, Starbucks travel mugs and Waterstones umbrellas. A Woolwich mobile phone shop had secret compartments holding about 2,000 phones and gaming consoles valued at an estimated £50,000; seven people linked to that shop were arrested. Most suspects were bailed; offences included handling stolen goods, drug and immigration violations. Police issued emergency closure orders and said they will seek court backing for longer closures.
Read at www.bbc.com
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