In a startling incident, a notorious shoplifter was caught in the act as he brazenly cleared shelves of high-end perfume—a crime that ended with his swift arrest by the police.
Paul Michael Whitehead, a 46-year-old with no fixed address, was observed by store employees as he nonchalantly took several bottles of expensive fragrances from a shop in the heart of the City of London. Recognizing him from previous encounters, the staff immediately alerted the authorities.
The City of London police responded promptly, utilizing their extensive CCTV network to track down and detain Whitehead shortly after the theft occurred.
This incident coincides with the launch of the police’s new Safer City Streets initiative. The program aims to bolster safety in the bustling business hub known as the Square Mile, deploying officers on foot and bicycle to maintain order and pursue offenders.
Notably, the initiative’s focus on vigilance has proven effective. Last year, approximately 31% of the 1,400 shoplifting incidents in the Square Mile ended in an arrest, charge, or conviction—a figure significantly higher than the national average of 18.5%.
Roughly one-third (31%) of all 1,400 shoplifting offences in the Square Mile last year resulted in an arrest, charge or conviction – above the national average of around 18.5%.
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.
Paul Michael Whitehead, 46, was caught on camera calmly stealing bottles of perfume
He was spotted by staff who raised the alarm with City of London Police
He calmly made off after helping himself to the designer fragrances
But City of London Police control room staff were able to locate the suspect on their network of CCTV cameras, and officers were sent to arrest him
Police sentry boxes are being used to help prevent and detect crime in the Square Mile, where arrests, charges and convictions for shoplifting is much higher than the national average
‘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.’
Tijs Broeke, City of London Police Authority board chair, added: ‘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.’
The City’s CCTV network remains one of the most advanced policing assets in the country, allowing officers and control room staff to track suspects in real time, direct resources immediately and protect businesses, workers and the public
On April 17, City of London Police control room officers were alerted after store staff recognised Whitehead, who had stolen from the shop days earlier.
Control room officers operated their CCTV cameras to track Whitehead’s movements from One New Change to Paternoster Square, where he entered a supermarket and stole two bottles of wine.
They then followed him towards Fleet Street and directed response officers to his location.
Whitehead was arrested by officers and later pleaded guilty to theft offences committed on 14 and 15 April, where he forced open perfume cabinets and stole products worth more than £1,200 in total.
He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.
The force has invested Home Office funding to analyse crime data and embed hotspot policing as a permanent strategy, providing officers with data-led briefings on precisely when and where to carry out highly visible patrols to maximise crime reduction.
Adding to its CCTV network, the force is adding new cameras in hotspot areas to better detect criminals.
This has already resulted in a reduction in violence and sexual offences, robbery and retail crime, the force said.
