Shoplifting rises 17% in Bayswater, as local businesses struggle to tackle theft

Increased shoplifting in Bayswater is putting pressure on Queensway retailers, as businesses cite lack of police support as a reason they struggle to prevent theft.

This comes as reports of shoplifting have risen 17% in the past year, with 269 incidents reported in Bayswater.

After nearly four years working at Simple Oriental Food and Wine, Kritika Dhungel said that shoplifting is “increasing day by day,” adding: “The same people keep coming back.”

Local retailers have been forced to implement strategies to protect their businesses, although these have seen very little success. Strategies have included CCTV and AI surveillance to increasing numbers of staff.

The cost to businesses isn’t insubstantial. Pantelakis Iacouou, manager of Athenian Grocery, estimates they lose £50 of stock a week to shoplifters. Over a year, this amounts to an estimated £2,600.

When asked whether or not he feels supported by the police, Iacouou said: “No. Police these days are not interested in anything. Even if you called them, nothing.”

Shoplifting also takes an emotional toll on local businesses and their employees. Feeling helpless, Iacouou describes having to let shoplifters, “steal whatever they like.”

He said the experience has left him questioning: “Why are we here? It makes us feel upset. It makes us feel angry.”

On October 9th, 2026, following conversations with residents, the Bayswater Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) identified shoplifting as a policing priority.

The team said it would build an intelligence picture of prolific shoplifting offenders, conduct high visibility patrols in hotspot areas and utilise stop and search powers.

Building an intelligence profile of prolific offenders could help local businesses reduce shoplifting rates as Dhungel reported Simple was a victim of continued, targeted attacks.

However, some of the plans have been met with skepticism. Iacouou said: “I haven’t seen a police officer in this area for about five years now.”

The effectiveness of Bayswater SNTs measures are set to be reviewed December 9th, 2026.

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Publication: Westminster Times

Contacts:

Kritika Dhungel, Simple Oriental Food and Wine, 020 7243 1700

Pantelakis Iacouou, Athenian Grocery, 020 7229 6280