Police get key to finding Wigan shoplifter behind food store raid

The duo had stolen a pair of large Serrano hams from the Marks and Spencer food store at Robin Park on Monday afternoon.

After finding the key officers posted on Facebook a baiting and semi-humorous message to the thief, inviting him to drop into the police headquarters across the road to collect the lost property!

It was at about 4.45pm that two men acting as customers brazenly walked out with the boxed meat under their arms.

One shopper, who did not want to be identified, said: “I was at the self-service till and saw the back of this guy walking past and out to the front and it occurred to me ‘he hasn’t paid for that.’

“Just a moment later and several staff rushed to the front of the store and after him, saying that he and another lad who I didn’t see had made off with two Serrano hams and they were worth £46 apiece.

“Someone said ‘don’t go after them, it’s not worth it,’ and I guess they called the police then.

“I can’t believe people can be so brass-necked and nasty. The shop was really busy at the time.”

On Facebook later, GMP Wigan West posted the following message: “To the shoplifter stealing from Mark’s and Spencer tonight at Robin Retail Park at 16:45hrs.

“You left these behind as you left.

“If you wish to collect them they are now safely stored at Wigan Police Station.

“Just bring some identification and proof of address quoting ref LL/056031/20. Merry Christmas.”

Another shopper said: “That looks like someone’s front door key.

“I wonder who they were later knocking up to be let in and what kind of yarn they spun that had nothing to do with shoplifting, even if they inexplicably had a couple of large hams under their arms at the same time.”

A Marks and Spencer spokesperson said: “We can confirm an incident took place at our Wigan Robin Retail Park store last night and we are supporting the police with their investigation.”

CCTV footage from the area is being checked to see if the culprits were caught on film.

Anyone with information about the thefts or the whereabout of the Spanish delicacies, ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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