A prolific shoplifter was caught by police moments after ransacking shelves of designer perfume in central London.
Homeless Paul Michael Whitehead was seen stealing several bottles of perfume from a shop in the City of London in April.
Staff in the shop recognised Mr Whitehead, who had stolen from the same shop just days earlier.
The 46-year-old was promptly located by City of London police through the use of CCTV, tracking his movements from One New Change to Paternoster Square, where he entered a supermarket and stole two bottles of wine.
When he continued towards Fleet Street, Mr Whitehead was apprehended by officers who had been directed to his location.
He later pleaded guilty to theft offences committed on April 14 and 15, having stolen products worth more than £1,200 in total. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced in June.
The news comes as the City of London police launch a Safer City Streets initiative, with officers deployed on foot and bicycle across a network of police sentry boxes through the Square Mile in an effort to keep streets safe.
Almost a third (31 per cent) of all shoplifting offences in the City resulted in an arrest, charge or conviction last year, comfortably above the national average of around 18.5 per cent.
City of London Police Commissioner Pete O'Doherty said: “These results show the real value of neighbourhood policing and the strong relationships our officers have built with retailers and businesses across the City.
“When they have confidence their reports will be acted on, offenders pursued and outcomes achieved, they are far more likely to come forward and work with us.
“Tackling shoplifting and other acquisitive crime is a priority for the City of London Police and these figures demonstrate that our officers, supported by advanced CCTV and intelligence-led policing, are identifying offenders, making arrests and protecting the businesses and victims.”
The CCTV network in the City is one of the most advanced policing assets in the country, with officers and control room staff able to track suspects in real time, and direct resources to protect businesses and the public.
The force continues to add new cameras in hotspot areas to its CCTV network to better detect criminals, resulting in a further reduction in violence and sexual offences, robbery and retail crime, the force said.
Tijs Broeke, City of London Police Authority board chair, said: “Retail crime, including shoplifting, is a blight on businesses across the Square Mile, undermining confidence and affecting staff every day. Tackling it must be a priority.
“Safer City Streets shows what can be achieved through visible policing, targeted action, smart use of technology and a pro-active approach to protecting businesses and identifying offenders.”
