One Stop shop worker sacked after trying to tackle suspected shoplifter

A convenience store worker has been dismissed after attempting to tackle a woman she suspected of stealing bacon. Eileen Fox, 56, stated the suspected thief was a regular offender in Bootle, Merseyside, and had been stealing from the shop for years.

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grabbed the sleeve of her coat and in the scuffle she banged into a metal stand

Fox described grabbing the suspect's coat sleeve, which led to the woman bumping into a metal stand. She emphasized that no one was injured during the incident. Despite her actions being "completely out of character," Fox was called to a meeting and suspended, ultimately being dismissed two weeks later.

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No one was injured in the incident.

"What message does this send to the thieves? Come on in, help yourselves, the staff in the shop can’t touch you, cause then they’ll be punished while you get away scot-free," Fox questioned. Her dismissal follows similar incidents where retailers have faced criticism for firing employees who intervened in shoplifting cases, even as theft rates rise across the UK.

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What message does this send to the thieves? Come on in, help yourselves, the staff in the shop can’t touch you, cause then they’ll be punished while you get away scot-free

Waitrose and Morrisons have previously faced public backlash for similar dismissals. Waitrose was criticized for firing a 17-year employee who stopped a shoplifter, and Morrisons faced backlash after firing a store manager who tackled a repeat offender. A letter from One Stop stated Fox had "followed" the shoplifter and "grabbed her and slammed her into a metal stand," which Fox claims exaggerated her actions. A spokesperson for One Stop stated that colleague and customer safety is their priority and that staff are trained never to risk their own safety.

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The safety of our customers and colleagues is our absolute priority, and our stores should be a safe place to work and shop.