Met officers identify prolific shoplifters who targeted Tesco in Hackney

Two prolific offenders have been identified following a Met Police investigation into shoplifting at a shop in Hackney.

Officers worked with staff at the Tesco Express, Old Street, Hackney to identify Garvey Powell and Carmen Sinclair. Through analysing CCTV, they linked the pair to more than 30 thefts.

One officer from the local policing team in Hackney worked a 33-hour shift after the pair were arrested to collate the evidence and secure charges against them.

Sergeant Adam Hunter, from the Met's Neighbourhood Policing Team in Haggerston, said:

"We know shoplifting has a huge impact on businesses and also fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour. We recognise it's something that Londoners are concerned about and we're working hard to tackle it. This outcome demonstrates the commitment of officers.

"This pair's offending cost Tesco many thousands of pounds in stock and tens of thousands in additional security measures, and we're pleased our investigation has brought them to justice."

Powell was repeatedly seen on CCTV entering the shop with a large bag or rucksack and filling them with bottles of wine. He was regularly assisted by Sinclair. On many occasions, they would steal wine worth hundreds of pounds in under a minute and sometimes targeted the retailer two or three times a day.

The offences happened between July 2024 and March 2025. Officers viewed more than 40 hours of CCTV footage to identify the offenders. They were arrested at their house on Thursday, 13 March and charged the following day.

A Tesco spokesperson said:

“Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day, and every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work. We would like to thank all the Police Officers, store teams and our internal security team who have worked collaboratively on this case. We continue to work closely with partners such as the Metropolitan Police to share information and invest in new ways to keep our stores, like the Old St Hackney Express, safe places to work and shop.”

Garvey Powell, 45 (24.07.79), of Aitken Close, Hackney, pleaded guilty to 19 counts of theft and breach of court bail. He was sentenced at Thames Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 18 March to 9 months’ imprisonment and a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order. One of the conditions bans him from being in possession of a bag or rucksack in Hackney.

Carmen Sinclair, 47 (21.09.77), of Whiston Road, Hackney, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of theft. She will be sentenced at Stratford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 22 April.