Shopkeeper Tracks Down Stolen Jellycat Toys Sold Online

Garden centre owner identifies shoplifter through CCTV and online platforms, but police response remains limited.

Charlie Groves, a garden centre owner in Dorset, used CCTV and online platforms to identify a shoplifter who stole £400 worth of Jellycat toys, including a £59 hedgehog plush.
The shoplifter was seen on CCTV hiding toys in her child's pram and driving off in a car with a personalised number plate, which helped Groves track her identity through social media.
Groves discovered the stolen items being sold on Vinted through an account linked to the shoplifter's husband and provided this evidence to Dorset Police.
Despite clear evidence, including CCTV footage and detailed information, no arrests have been made, leaving Groves frustrated with the lack of action from authorities.
Retail trade groups highlight that stolen goods sold on online marketplaces are fueling a rise in shoplifting, calling for stricter seller verification and accountability measures.