Shocking mobile phone footage has captured the moment a man allegedly walked out of a Greggs store in Coventry carrying armfuls of food without appearing to pay.
The Incident Unfolds in Broad Daylight
The 28-second video, recorded by a stunned customer, shows a man whose face is blurred calmly placing sandwiches and tubs of fruit into a blue holdall. He then proceeds to the drink fridge to add more items to his bag.
Not content, the individual then approaches a display next to the exit. In a brazen final move, he is seen scooping up ten boxes of goods into his arms before walking calmly out of the shop, making no attempt to pay for the substantial haul.
Location and Reaction from the Public
The alleged theft took place at the Greggs branch on Jubilee Crescent, Coventry, on Saturday, December 20. The video was later shared online, sparking widespread anger and debate among local residents and social media users.
One local, Kate Elliott, reacted with fury, suggesting: “Stocks. Bring back the stocks in the public square. Utter pond life.” Another commenter, Tony Ward, stated firmly: “I couldn't not do something.”
The incident has ignited a broader discussion about retail crime and responses to it. Tom Matthew highlighted a common concern, noting: “Anyone would get in more trouble trying to stop them than they would for actually stealing.”
A Sign of Wider Problems?
A user named Stewart contrasted the event with his past experience, saying: “When I started working my first job was in retail in 1984 in London. A shoplifting incident was about one a month if that and it was dealt with robustly with a fast police response.” He ended with a pointed question: “What the hell has been allowed to happen to this country?”
This sentiment was echoed by others questioning why nobody in the store attempted to intervene during the incident.
West Midlands Police and Greggs have both been approached for an official comment regarding the alleged theft. The authorities have yet to release a statement on the matter.
