Masked thieves steal from Tesco store in Walthamstow during daylight hours

Masked thieves stole items from a Tesco Express store in Walthamstow during daylight hours, while staff watched without intervening. The five men filled duffel bags with tobacco and spirits, escaping with hundreds of pounds worth of goods. This incident highlights a significant rise in retail theft in the UK, with stores experiencing two thefts every minute. Recent data shows a 29% increase in shoplifting offenses, reaching the highest levels recorded in 20 years. Police face scrutiny as nearly 6,000 crimes went unsolved daily last year, despite promises to improve investigations. The rise in thefts and robberies, including those involving weapons, raises concerns about public safety and policing priorities.