Tories urge Waitrose to reinstate worker sacked ‘after tackling shoplifter’
Tories urge Waitrose to reinstate worker sacked ‘after tackling shoplifter’
Conservative leaders have sent a letter to Waitrose requesting the reinstatement of an employee dismissed for confronting a shoplifter. Walker Smith, 54, recounted his dismissal to the Guardian, stating it occurred two days after a dispute involving a brief scuffle with a thief attempting to steal Easter eggs. The incident took place at a Waitrose store in Clapham Junction, south London.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, highlighted the case as an example of a broader issue, noting that offenders often act with “little fear of consequence.” In his correspondence, he called for Smith to be rehired and awarded a bonus for his “courage and proactive action.” However, Waitrose disputed the narrative, asserting that the situation “does not cover the full facts.”
“While we would never be able to discuss an individual case, we can assure you the correct process is being followed, which includes a standard appeals procedure,” said a Waitrose spokesperson.
Philp accused the supermarket of “disgraceful” treatment, arguing that the sackings could lead to staff losing their homes. “Staff safety must come first,” he stated, “but dismissing a long-serving employee in these circumstances sends entirely the wrong message. It penalises those who act, while offenders are left unchecked.”
Smith, who had worked at the store for 17 years, expressed regret over his actions but emphasized the severity of the thefts. “I’ve seen thefts happening every hour of every day for the last five years,” he said. “It ranges from drug addicts to teenagers stealing small items or leaving with bottles of wine in their arms. We’re not allowed to do anything.”
“He grabbed a bag the shoplifter was using to hide the £13 Easter eggs, resulting in a short struggle. One chocolate egg broke, and he picked up a piece and threw it out of frustration,” reported the Guardian.
“He later apologised to the manager, but the incident was escalated,” added the paper.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, commented on the case, posting on X: “We are now a country that favours criminals over law enforcers.” Waitrose, part of the John Lewis Partnership, defended its policies, stating: “The safety and security of our partners and customers is our top priority. We have measures to protect both.”
“We’ve had incidents where partners have been hospitalised when challenging shoplifters. Luckily, they have always recovered, but that might not always be the case,” said the spokesperson. “There is a serious danger to life in tackling shoplifters. We refuse to put anyone’s life at risk and that’s why we have clear, strict policies in place.”
The supermarket also mentioned its efforts to advocate for stronger protections for retail workers, including pushing for retail crime to become a standalone offense.