M&S boss hits out at Sadiq Khan in blistering attack for being soft on crime after Clapham mob chaos

Shop workers are facing a surge in violence and abuse as crime on Britain’s high streets becomes increasingly organised and aggressive, a senior Marks & Spencer boss has warned.

Thinus Keeve, the retailer’s director, urged ministers and London’s City Hall to take stronger action after large groups of teenagers used social media to organise “link-ups” before descending on shops.

In a statement on the company’s website, Mr Keeve said: “Without a government seriously cracking down on crime and a Mayor that prioritises effective policing we are powerless.

“We need a stronger, faster and more consistent police response, using tools that already exist to target repeat offenders and crime hotspots.

“And we need far greater transparency on crime so the true scale and impact is understood and can be used to target resources.”
The warning comes after chaotic scenes in Clapham , south London, where teenagers arranged to gather via apps such as TikTok and Snapchat before flooding into shops .

Around 100 officers were deployed on Tuesday, according to the Metropolitan Police, with five people assaulted, including four officers.

Elsewhere, Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 48-hour dispersal order is in force across Rochdale town centre until 11.30am on Saturday after reports of youths harassing staff and causing damage to businesses on Wednesday.

Inspector Meena Yasin, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “We have implemented this order to provide further powers for officers in the area to robustly deal with anti-social behaviour, and to protect people and businesses.

Mr Keeve, in his statement – headlined Retail crime chips away confidence in our High Streets – said: “It is becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive.

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“It’s a clear ask: support our police.

Help them show up in our communities when and where we need them.

“This is not complicated.

The capability exists.

The data exists.

The investment has been made.

Time is up, we need to deal with this now.”
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said he had seen “the hurt” among staff and customers following attacks.

“Too many are dealing with theft, intimidation and verbal and physical abuse as part of their daily reality,” he wrote.

“It impacts well-being, and it drives people out of the industry.

“When stores become unsafe, we’re not just failing retail workers, we’re failing the next generation of the workforce.”
Sir Sadiq condemned the Clapham disorder as “utterly unacceptable” and said further arrests were expected as officers continue reviewing CCTV and bodyworn footage.

He warned “the culprits will face the full force of the law” and said police are working with social media firms to clamp down on “viral online content which promotes violence and theft”.

Sir Sadiq said: “Not only did they spread fear in the local community, but assaulting and intimidating hard-working retail staff and police officers are serious offences.”
The Metropolitan Police said they are taking “a zero-tolerance approach to any form of criminality”, increasing patrols in hotspot areas and considering the use of dispersal orders.