TV star Tom Skinner has shared a shocking account of witnessing several thefts at a Greggs bakery. The high street favourite, with over 2,500 outlets, has been grappling with shoplifting issues in recent times. Although some stores have resorted to securing their drinks cabinets with padlocks, Greggs insists these are isolated responses and not indicative of a company-wide directive.
Tom, famed for his appearance on the BBC's 'The Apprentice', expressed his astonishment on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He recounted: "Stood in the queue at Greggs to buy two coffees and sausage rolls whilst out working this morning. While in the queue, 4 separate people walked into the shop, helped themselves to sandwiches, drinks, snacks the lot! None of the staff seemed to care and I thought I ain't gonna bother getting into an argument with someone over a ham and cheese baguette.".
He added: "I don't know people's finances, but what I did notice was that every single one of them had brand new trainers on and one was even sporting a Moncler coat! What's happened to this country and why do people feel like it's okay to just take what they want?".
"Sad to see; hope it is not also happening to small independent bakeries across the UK as well. Greggs you had £12 in sales from me but you must have had £40 worth of goods stolen in that short ten minutes," reports the Express. Representatives from Greggs have previously spoken out about the increasing incidents of theft in their stores. Established in 1951, Greggs has become a mainstay on UK high streets, serving up a variety of baked goods and broadening its menu to incorporate healthier choices such as salads and rice bowls.
This shift aligns with public health drives, like those in Newcastle upon Tyne - the birthplace of Greggs - where local councils have imposed restrictions on new fast-food outlets to tackle escalating obesity levels. Interestingly, existing Greggs branches are exempt from these prohibitions due to their diverse menu options.
The problem of shoplifting isn't exclusive to Greggs; it's indicative of a wider trend impacting retailers throughout the UK. For example, shops in London reported a record-breaking £15 million in losses owing to shoplifting in 2023. In the face of these challenges, Greggs remains committed to its growth and customer service, with plans to launch up to 160 new stores in 2024, strategically focusing on locations such as petrol stations and retail parks. While individual stores may implement specific strategies to combat theft, Greggs maintains that it is developing a comprehensive approach that prioritises fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . Celeb obsessed? Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox.
