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 who claims he was dismissed for confronting a shoplifter. Walker Smith, 54, described to the Guardian how he was let go from his position after 17 years of service, just days after a brief confrontation with a customer attempting to steal Easter eggs.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp highlighted the case as a symbol of a broader issue, accusing the supermarket chain of allowing offenders to operate “with little fear of consequence.” He argued that Smith should not only regain his job but also receive a bonus for his “bravery and initiative” in addressing the theft.
“Staff safety must come first. But dismissing a long-serving employee in these circumstances sends entirely the wrong message,” Philp said. “It penalises those who act, while offenders are left unchecked.”
Waitrose stated that the incident’s reporting “does not cover the full facts of the situation,” emphasizing that they follow a standard appeals process for disciplinary actions. A spokesperson added: “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.”
Smith explained to the Guardian that he felt compelled to intervene after witnessing frequent thefts at the Clapham Junction store. “It’s everybody from drug addicts to teenagers nicking bits and bobs or walking out with bottles of wine in their arms,” he said. “We’re not allowed to do anything.”
“One of the chocolate eggs broke, and I picked a piece and ‘threw it out of frustration’ towards some shopping trolleys,” Smith recounted. He later apologised to the manager but noted the incident was “escalated.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage commented on the situation, writing on X: “We are now a country that favours criminals over law enforcers.” In a statement, Waitrose reiterated its commitment to safety, stating: “The safety and security of our partners and customers couldn’t be more important to us, and we have policies in place to protect both.”
The supermarket chain also mentioned that they’ve had instances where staff were hospitalised when challenging shoplifters. “We refuse to put anyone’s life at risk,” the statement said. “Nothing we sell is worth risking lives for.”
Additionally, Waitrose expressed support for measures to address retail crime, including efforts to make it a specific stand-alone offence. “We have campaigned for some time for more to be done to protect shop workers from offenders,” the spokesperson added.
