Seven people arrested in Salford over plans to conduct coordinated mass shoplifting campaign

Seven people have been arrested in Salford over plans to be part of a coordinated mass shoplifting campaign of ‘high end’ retailers and supermarkets across the country.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), it is believed the group had been training for ‘non‑violent direct action’ in Salford as part of a coordinated mass shoplifting campaign, where they were intending to steal goods from high‑value stores and major supermarkets across the country, and then redistribute them to places such as food banks.

Working in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, officers arrested one male and six females in Salford yesterday afternoon (Sunday 19 April) on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.

They all remain in police custody for questioning.

It has been reported in multiple sources, such as the BBC and the MEN, that the individuals arrested are believed to be part of the Take Back Power Action Group. 

Take Back Power Action Group describes itself on its website as a ‘nonviolent civil resistance group’ that is aiming to ‘put the 99% in charge’ through citizen’s assemblies.

“We are ordinary people from all walks of life who believe that in order to fix Britain, taxing the rich is an essential first step, and we want ordinary people to decide how,” a statement on the group’s website declares.

Speaking following the arrests over the weekend, Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “This joint operation with the Metropolitan Police has resulted in the arrests of seven individuals who we believe were planning to take part in coordinated national activity targeting high‑value retail stores.

“We are taking robust action to disrupt this type of organised criminality, and it will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester.

Read more:

• Tesco are introducing ‘VAR-style’ self-checkouts in the UK to tackle shoplifting
• Aldi has introduced a new ‘bag search’ policy in its UK stores
• New survey reveals one in three shoppers admits to stealing at self-checkouts

“We take a strong stance against targeted criminality such as this and I would like to thank our Metropolitan Police colleagues for their assistance.”

Featured Image – GMP