Brentwood: Off-duty officers arrest suspected shoplifter

A man has been charged as part of an ongoing shoplifting investigation in Brentwood.

Two off-duty officers were in Tesco Express on London Road in Brentwood on Sunday, 24 September when they noticed a man attempting to steal protein bars.

The officers confronted the man and waited with him at the store for on-duty officers to arrive. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Mitchell Rudd, 31 of Wantz Lane, Rainham has been charged with theft from a shop as part of this investigation.

Superintendent Tim Tubbs “This was fantastic work by the off-duty officers, the attending officers and the investigation team who have secured the charge.

“There is a sentiment that thefts from large chains such as Tesco aren’t a priority for the police but this is not the case.

“We take shoplifting offences extremely seriously and last week, we arrested 29 people on suspicion of theft from shop offences across the county.”

For more information on what Essex Police are doing to proactively tackle shoplifting offences, visit our website: Business Crime Team | Essex Police