A serial shoplifter dubbed “Hamster” by staff at a Greggs bakery in Greenford, west London, has been sentenced after a brazen, six-week crime spree in which he stole nearly £2,000 worth of food and drink, with his actions captured in detail by CCTV.
Fridges Raided in Plain Sight
Adam Gosling, 39, committed 38 thefts from the Greenford Broadway branch between 30 December 2025 and 10 February 2026, with the value of goods taken ranging from £12.30 to £100 per visit. On some days, he targeted the store multiple times. Footage shows him openly taking drinks from refrigerators, filling a carrier bag with multiple bottles of Lucozade, and continuing to steal even while a staff member observed him.
Greggs employees began systematically logging the incidents due to the high volume of missing stock, which ultimately led to police involvement. Police Community Support Officer James Tupman, of the Metropolitan Police’s Greenford Broadway safer neighbourhood team, stated that Gosling had become the “most prolific” thief.
Court Outcome and Arrest
Gosling was arrested on 10 February 2026 after officers identified him through the CCTV evidence. At Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty to 38 counts of theft from a shop. Prosecutors told the court that the total value of the stolen goods was £1,817.50. He was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for one year. The court heard that Gosling is currently homeless.
The Metropolitan Police highlighted that the outcome reflected strong partnership work with Greggs staff, who were proactive in recording offences and supporting the investigation.
Context of Falling Crime and Remorse
Superintendent Sean Lynch of the Metropolitan Police pledged ongoing neighbourhood action against shoplifting. He noted that despite the increase in thefts by Gosling, overall theft offences have fallen by 8.3% in the London Borough of Ealing and by 9.5% across the Met Police area in the past year.
Gosling expressed remorse for his actions, stating: “Well I took drinks and I apologise wholeheartedly to Greggs and I’ll never do it again. I really mean that. The remorse I have is unbelievable and if I had a chance to say sorry to them I would go do it straight away.”
