Finance
UK Police Arrest Seven Over Nationwide Plan to Shoplift From High-End Stores
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 19, 2026
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Quick Summary
British police arrested seven people in Salford linked to Take Back Power over a suspected coordinated plan to shoplift from high-end retailers as a form of protest and redistribution.
UK Police Arrest Seven Over Coordinated Shoplifting Scheme at Luxury Retailers
Details of the Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
LONDON, April 19 (Reuters) - British police said they had arrested seven people on Sunday over what they said was a national coordinated plan by activists who want to tax the super rich to damage and steal from high-end stores.
Arrests and Suspects
The seven individuals, one man and six women, were detained in Salford in northwest England on suspicion of conspiracy to steal, Greater Manchester Police said.
Nature of the Alleged Scheme
Police said the group were believed to have been training for non-direct action as part of a mass shoplifting campaign, intending to steal from high-value retail stores and supermarkets to redistribute the stolen items.
Police Response
"We are taking robust action to disrupt this type of organised criminality, and it will not be tolerated," Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in a statement.
Activist Group Involvement
Take Back Power, which describes itself as a civil resistance group demanding a tax on extreme wealth, said its supporters had been arrested.
Group's Statement
"The police are arresting people at generic training sessions that simply teach the history and principles of staying non-violent," a spokesperson said in a statement.
Previous Related Incidents
London police said in March that they had arrested 15 people from Take Back Power over alleged plans for mass shoplifting.
Charges and Notable Events
Nine members of that group were charged on Sunday with offences involving stunts at the Ritz Hotel in Central London last December, when manure was poured on the floor, and after another incident that month at the Tower of London.
(Reporting by Michael HoldenEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Seven people arrested in Salford on suspicion of conspiracy to steal as part of coordinated shoplifting plan by Take Back Power activists
- •Police say the group trained for non‑violent mass shoplifting intended to target luxury stores and supermarkets
- •Take Back Power maintains the sessions were generic non‑violent protest training, while this follows earlier related arrests and stunts by the group
Frequently Asked Questions about UK police arrest seven over nationwide plan to shoplift from high-end stores
1Why were the seven individuals arrested in Salford?
The seven individuals were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal, allegedly linked to a nationwide shoplifting campaign targeting high-end stores.
2What is the Take Back Power group?
Take Back Power is a civil resistance group that advocates for taxing extreme wealth and has been associated with plans for mass shoplifting.
3What actions did the activists reportedly plan?
The activists were reportedly training for a mass shoplifting campaign intending to steal from high-value retail stores and supermarkets to redistribute items.
4How did police respond to the shoplifting plan?
Police took robust action by arresting suspects and disrupting the organised effort, stating such criminality will not be tolerated.
5Were there any previous incidents involving Take Back Power?
Yes, London police previously arrested 15 people linked to the group, some of whom were charged over stunts at the Ritz Hotel and Tower of London.
