Shoplifting Arrest After Joint Patrol Near Hampstead Town

On Tuesday, 20th January 2026, Hampstead Town Safer Neighbourhood officers carried out a joint patrol with Hampstead Heath Constabulary today, providing a visible presence across the Heath and surrounding paths.

After completing a joint patrol on Hampstead Heath with colleagues from Hampstead Heath Constabulary, PC Copping, PC Bell and PCSO Catubig were on their way back to Kentish Town Police Station on foot when staff at Sainsbury’s on Gordon House Road, NW5 flagged them down.

Staff reported two individuals who had taken large quantity of items valued in total hundreds of pounds and had passed the point of payment without attempting to pay. The two individuals were moments away from leaving the store.

PC Copping, PC Bell and PCSO Catubig acted immediately, stopping both individuals before they exited. Both individuals were subsequently arrested by PC Copping and PC Bell, preventing a significant loss to a business just outside the Hampstead Town ward boundary.

The Hampstead Town SNT will continue to work with local partners and neighbouring teams to support businesses, deter crime, and stay visible in and around the ward.

If you notice anything suspicious, please speak to store staff or contact police via 999 if it is emergency or 101 and met.police.uk for non-emergency.