Understand
London shoplifter stole again within a day of early release, says Met
Overview
A prolific shoplifter in north-west London resumed reoffending just a day after being released early from HMP Wandsworth under the government's Early Release Scheme. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams highlighted the case in a letter to local MPs and councillors, expressing concern over the impact on front-line policing and community safety. The offender, who has 16 previous convictions, was subsequently charged with multiple counts of shoplifting, breaching court orders, and commercial burglary after officers spent a day locating him.
Key points
- A prolific shoplifter began reoffending at two north-west London supermarkets the day after his early release from HMP Wandsworth on 1 October.
- Metropolitan Police borough commander Det Ch Supt Luke Williams raised concerns about the government's Early Release Scheme in a letter to local MPs and councillors.
- The offender had 16 previous convictions across more than 100 investigations and was serving a sentence for shoplifting and breaching a criminal behaviour order.
- Investigating the renewed offences required 27 officer hours and cost £1,887, according to the Met.
- The Ministry of Justice defended the release scheme, stating it was necessary to prevent the prison system from collapsing and that released offenders face strict controls.