Greggs 'Hamster' Thief Stole Nearly £2,000 in Food from Same London Store
A prolific thief nicknamed "Hamster" by Greggs staff stole almost £2,000 worth of food from the same bakery chain store in west London over a six-week period, a magistrates' court has heard. The repeat offender, sometimes targeting the shop multiple times on the same day, has been spared jail despite his extensive theft spree.
Details of the Theft Spree
Adam Gosling, 39, was identified as the serial shoplifter who stole from a Greggs branch in Greenford, west London, on 38 separate occasions between 30 December 2025 and 10 February 2026. The value of the thefts ranged from £12.30 to £100 per visit, with the total amounting to £1,817.50, according to prosecutors at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court.
Greggs staff at the Greenford Broadway location noticed a high number of thefts and began meticulously logging each incident. Their proactive efforts led to the identification of Gosling, who earned the nickname "Hamster" due to his frequent and repetitive thefts. Police community support officer James Tupman described him as the "most prolific" thief at the branch.
Police Investigation and Court Outcome
The Metropolitan Police's Greenford Broadway safer neighbourhood team used CCTV footage to confirm Gosling's identity, leading to his arrest on 10 February. The court heard that Gosling, who is currently homeless, pleaded guilty to all 38 counts of theft from a shop.
Chairwoman of the magistrates' bench Judy Gregg sentenced him to four months in prison, suspended for one year. This means he will avoid jail unless he reoffends within that period. The sentencing reflects considerations of his homelessness and guilty plea.
Impact on Business and Partnership Efforts
Officer Tupman emphasised the significant impact the thefts had on the Greggs business, noting that the volume of incidents disrupted operations. He praised the strong partnership between police and Greggs staff, stating: "This result is the direct outcome of strong partnership work with Greggs staff, who have been exceptionally proactive in recording offences and supporting our investigation."
He added that officers worked tirelessly to gather evidence, identify the offender, and implement long-term measures to prevent reoffending. This case highlights the challenges retail chains face with repeat thefts, especially as Greggs, with around 2,675 shops across the UK, aims to expand to 3,500 sites.
The incident underscores broader issues of shoplifting in urban areas, with businesses increasingly relying on staff vigilance and police collaboration to combat such crimes. While Gosling's suspended sentence offers him a chance for rehabilitation, it also raises questions about deterrents for serial offenders in the retail sector.
