A journalist has recovered a haul of clothing from shoplifters at a supermarket in Chippenham.
Two women – with a young child in tow – walked out of Morrisons with hundreds of pounds worth of goods at 8pm last Tuesday (19 November).
Eagle-eyed Daniel Jae Webb, who specialises in crime reporting for Wiltshire 999s, noticed the pair acting suspiciously in the Cepen Park North store.
He observed them for around ten minutes, as they slowly edged closer and closer to the entrance while carrying a significant amount of clothing in their arms – thought to be worth upwards of £500.
The women proceeded to exit the shop undetected by staff – prompting Daniel to step in and confront them, while filming the encounter on his mobile phone.
“Initially, they claimed they were going to the car to get a payment card. Then the story changed – claiming they’d just left the store to get a trolley”, he said.
“But when I suggested one of them remains in the store while they retrieve their money or trolley, they dumped the goods and left.
“While speaking with them, I was accused of being a paedophile because I was filming. It was a clear attempt to get me to back down and allow them on their way, but that wasn’t going to happen.”
He added: “The goods recovered filled a large trolley. The staff were shocked – and very thankful – when I informed them of what happened just moments prior.”
Footage of the incident has been provided to Morrisons, which will in turn provide it to Wiltshire Police.
