A man boldly stole an entire box of toothpaste from a Poundland store in Portobello Road, Notting Hill, leaving onlookers stunned.
The incident, which took place yesterday (November 18), unfolded as the shop buzzed with pre-Christmas shoppers.
Wearing camouflage trousers and a black jacket, the man casually emptied £2 Colgate toothpaste tubes into a Marks & Spencer bag before walking out without hesitation.
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One customer tried to intervene, saying “Excuse me,” but her effort failed to deter the thief, who strode out of the budget store unfazed.
The unusual choice of loot sparked mixed reactions from locals, ranging from disbelief to humor.
“Absolute tramp b*stard,” one person remarked.
Another, Graham Norris, speculated, “Straight into Wetherspoons to sell it.”
Others added to the levity, with Matt Tyler suggesting, “He probably escaped on the tube,” and Nate Rochester quipping, “Made a clean getaway.”
Irfan Ali joked, “Detain him under the dental health act,” while Terry Knight added, “Can’t see him in those trousers.”
The theft comes amidst a wider trend of shoplifting attributed to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Just last Monday, a thief made off with nine drinks from a Greggs in Norwood Junction, south London, highlighting the increasing strain on retailers.
Both Poundland and the Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment on the incident.
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SOURCE: Shoplifter steals box full of toothpaste from Poundland
