UK police issue appeals following retail thefts at Tesco and Waitrose

Police in England are issuing appeals following separate shoplifting incidents at major retailers. In Ryde, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are searching for two women after more than £260 worth of groceries were stolen from a Tesco Extra on August 22. The suspects are described as a white woman in her early 40s with blonde hair and a second woman in her late 20s or early 30s with blonde hair and brown roots.

In a separate incident in Havant, Hampshire Police are seeking information regarding the theft of 17 bottles of champagne, valued at £850, from a Waitrose on July 27. Authorities have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the theft.

The incidents coincide with calls from Prime Minister Andy Burnham for police forces across England and Wales to take a stronger stance against retail theft. Burnham stated that failing to prioritize shoplifting provides a “green light” to thieves and emphasized the need for businesses to feel supported by law enforcement.