Chiswick Shoplifter Snared in Tech Enabled Crackdown

Met says new system has quadrupled positive outcomes for retailers

Left: Hassan Hannach walking out of M&S on Chiswick High Road without paying.. Right: Hassan Hannach. Picture: Met Police

A Chiswick shoplifter has been banned from entering any commercial premises on Chiswick High Road for five years, as part of a sweeping Metropolitan Police crackdown. The Met says new technology is dramatically increasing the number of offenders brought to justice. The case forms part of a wider operation that has seen shoplifting fall sharply across the area — and a new reporting system rolled out across London that is already quadrupling positive outcomes for retailers it is claimed.

The Met’s new retail-crime reporting platform, now being expanded into Hounslow, Ealing and other boroughs, allows shops to upload CCTV, witness statements and evidence directly to officers within minutes. Previously, police often waited weeks for footage and paperwork. Now, the force says the system has transformed its ability to identify suspects, build cases and secure convictions.

Where retailers use the new system, 29.4% of shoplifting reports now result in a caution, charge or other positive outcome — compared with just 7.3% before the technology was introduced.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for business crime, said the results “speak for themselves,” adding: “Shoplifters should be under no illusion – we are increasing our capability to catch you and put you before the courts.”

Major chains including Tesco, Boots, M&S and Greggs are already using the platform, and it is now being rolled out to retailers in Hounslow, Ealing, Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley and Hillingdon.

Hassan Hannach, 47, of Tomlinson Close, Chiswick, who was last month sentenced at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court to a 12-month community and rehabilitation order, a fine, and a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

The order bans him from:

• Entering any commercial premises on Chiswick High Road
• Entering any retail premises while wearing a face covering
• Possessing retail goods worth more than £10 in their original packaging without proof of purchase

Police say the CBO gives them immediate powers of arrest if Hannach sets foot inside a Chiswick shop.

CCTV footage has been released showing Hannach filling a basket at the Marks and Spencer store on Chiswick High Road and walking out of an exit.

His conviction follows a series of targeted operations on the High Road, where neighbourhood officers have been working closely with retailers and using the new tech to build detailed case files.

Local Chiswick officers have also secured long-term bans for other prolific offenders one of whom recently breached the conditions of his ban and was arrested.

Recently they were in court to hear 33-year-old Steven Kelly of no fixed abode plead guilty to five counts of shoplifting and theft of a parcel from a doorstep. He was given a 26 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. Officers also applied for and were granted a Criminal Behaviour Order for 8 years against him that fully bans him from the Chiswick area along with conditions that address his offending.

54-year-old Richard Connick of Cromwell Road was arrested after officers noticed a number of linked commercial burglaries. Working with officers from Hammersmith they were able to identify him. He pled guilty to all offences and was sentenced to a total of 9 months in prison.

Officers also followed up on a number of investigations relating to a well known Chiswick individual who was arrested and charged with two counts of shoplifting, one of theft of pedal cycle wheels and one of theft of over £9000 of lead from a shop roof. He has pled guilty to all offences and will be sentenced next month.

In a major operation earlier this year, two individuals responsible for repeated thefts and intimidation of shop staff were issued CBOs preventing them from entering Chiswick at all — even on foot. They may only pass through on public transport without alighting.

Sgt Gareth O’Donnell said the results have been transformative for local businesses: “Feedback from most of the shops we spoke to is that shoplifting is at a much lower level than it was 18 months ago, which I have no doubt is in large part due to the proactive targeted activity we have been doing.”

As part of the High Road operation, officers executed a warrant at an address suspected of storing stolen goods. Around £3,000 worth of suspected stolen property was recovered, and the occupant remains under investigation.

Across London, reported shoplifting fell by 3.7% last year, with the Met making almost 50% more arrests for retail crime. Positive outcomes more than doubled, rising from 2,682 to 5,996.

Locally, officers say shoplifting on Chiswick High Road has dropped significantly, though other offences — including vehicle crime and two recent phone snatches — remain a concern.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour, particularly individuals on e-bikes looking into parked cars.

Chiswick’s neighbourhood policing team continues to work closely with retailers, residents and ward panels. More than 1,100 residents have now signed up to Met Engage, placing Chiswick among the highest-engaged areas in the borough.

Sgt O’Donnell says the message is clear: “If anyone sees offenders who are banned from Chiswick, please report it to police. We will act.”