Local Priorities Shoplifting Message

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.

🐹 Hamster Nibbles No More: Officers Arrest Repeat Offender
The Greenford Broadway Safer Neighbourhood Team has arrested and charged a prolific shoplifter after weeks of close partnership working with staff at Greggs on Greenford Broadway.
Greggs staff had been dealing with a high level of daily thefts, from single food items to multiple products at once. To help tackle the problem, the team at the store recorded every incident, including what was taken, the estimated value, and—where possible—details to help identify offenders. When names weren’t known, staff used informal nicknames such as “Toothless,” “Family Gang,” “Short Long Hairy,” and “Bushy Beard.”
One individual, nicknamed “Hamster,” quickly became the most prolific.

🔍 Building the Case
When staff shared his Auror profile, officers discovered 93 linked theft incidents totalling £3,611.
PCSO Tupman led the evidence‑gathering, which included:

Visiting Greggs up to four times a day
Reviewing staff logs and descriptions
Securing CCTV for 38 offences worth almost £2,000

Store staff believe the true number of incidents is even higher.
After reviewing the CCTV, PCSO Tupman identified “Hamster” as Adam Gosling. PC Sellars then collected all required statements from Greggs staff.

🛑 Long‑Term Problem Solving
With Gosling identified, the team looked at sustainable prevention.
Drawing on previous experience working within the police ASB team at Ealing Council, officers explored how best to stop repeat offending after legal proceedings.
They began working on a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) with conditions aimed at:

Restricting future offending
Requiring Gosling to engage with addiction‑support services


👮‍♂️ Arrest
On 10 February 2026, PC Sellars and PCSO Tupman located Gosling at the rear of Greenford Broadway. He was arrested, taken to Heathrow Custody, and charged and remanded the following day.

💬 Team Comment

“This result is the direct outcome of strong partnership work with Greggs staff, who have been exceptionally proactive in recording offences and supporting our investigation. The volume of thefts had a significant impact on the business, and our officers worked tirelessly to gather evidence, identify the offender, and put long-term measures in place to prevent reoffending.”

The team now continues to work with the courts and council partners to progress the CBO application and support wider retail‑crime reduction in the area.

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.

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