Police squad arrests 93 members of organised crime gangs behind shoplifting sprees

A specialist police unit, Operation Pegasus, established to combat the surging phenomenon of shoplifting, has arrested 93 suspects tied to organised crime rings orchestrating retail thefts in a span of seven months.

According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Operation Pegasus has "impacted 28 organised crime groups and high-harm individuals" found culpable for over £4 million in losses to enterprises.

Recent official statistics disclosed in October suggest that incidents of shoplifting have soared to the highest point in two decades. Forces recorded a staggering 469,788 shoplifting offences in the year leading up to June 2024, marking a 29% increase from the 365,173 cases noted over the preceding 12 months; this figure represents the most notable annual total since modern records commenced in March 2003.

Operation Pegasus received 92 referrals from retailers among other sources, aiding the police in unmasking 228 previously unidentified culprits. The operation also tracked down 70 vehicles implicated in systematic retail crime. To date, out of the 93 detained individuals, 32 have faced judicial proceedings, while five others have been extradited.

Paul Gerrard, director of campaigns and public affairs for the Co-op, highlighted the positive impact the crackdown: "As a community-based retailer we know working in partnership with the police is how we can continue to tackle retail crime together – neither business nor police can solve this alone. "