Shoplifter jailed after being caught by new recruit Met officers

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted the same store has been jailed after being caught by Met officers.

Ryan Kiely, 34 (31.12.91), of no fixed address, was arrested at a BP garage on Lee High Road on Wednesday, 25 February. As officers approached the shop, staff alerted them to a man leaving the store carrying unpaid goods.

When challenged, Kiely attempted to run but was quickly detained following a short foot chase. The stolen items – including food and drink worth £85 – were recovered and returned to the store.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for tackling retail crime, said:

“This conviction demonstrates the Met’s continued focus on driving down retail crime by targeting repeat offenders who cause harm to businesses, staff and communities.

“We work closely with retailers to gather strong evidence, use tools such as Criminal Behaviour Orders, and ensure prolific offenders are brought before the courts quickly.

“The officers involved in Kiely's arrest were new recruits, and their response reflects our commitment to ensuring every Met officer is focused on community crime‑fighting and improving our response to neighbourhood crime.”

Following Kiely’s arrest, checks revealed he was wanted on recall to prison, was subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, and was wanted for two other shoplifting offences at the same location.

Officers gathered evidence for multiple shoplifting offences, supported by CCTV footage and witness statements from store staff. Kiely was charged with three counts of shoplifting and three counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.

He was remanded in custody, convicted the following day at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, and sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment.

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NOTES TO EDITOR: CCTV of Kiely's offending and body-worn video of his arrest can be downloaded below.