Police in Putney have arrested a prolific shoplifter who was caught stealing more than £200 worth of women’s clothing from a store on Putney High Street.
Officers from the Thamesfield Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) detained the man on 23 December 2025 after he was seen taking items from the shop. According to the police, he is a drug addict with an extensive criminal record. He was charged and remanded in custody the following day, an update this week revealed.
The arrest comes as shoplifting remains one of the most pressing concerns for residents in the area. The crime has been highlighted as a priority issue by local residents, who are empowered to set three local priorities for the police at quarterly ward meetings.
Met Police data shows shoplifting was one of the two most commonly reported crimes in Thamesfield ward in November 2025, with 26 recorded offences. Vehicle crime came equal first in terms of reported crimes.
Xmas spree
Police say the shoplifting problem was particularly serious in the run-up to Christmas, with suspects travelling into Putney from outside the borough as well as local offenders targeting high street shops. Stolen goods are often sold cheaply online.
Thamesfield officers say they conduct daily foot patrols along Putney High Street and other parts of the ward to deter criminals and reassure the public.
PC Damian Catherall said residents who witness shoplifting or notice anything suspicious should report it as soon as possible. These reports help police build a picture of when and where offenders operate.
Residents who want to raise concerns about crime in the area can attend the next Thamesfield Ward Panel meeting on 4 February at St Mary’s Church, Putney High Street, starting at 6:30pm. The quarterly meetings allow locals to set policing priorities and hear directly from officers.
Reports can be made online at met.police.uk, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
