In an unprecedented legal move aimed at curbing the rising tide of retail theft across the UK, a 33-year-old serial shoplifter has been banned from setting foot in any Greggs store in England and Wales. Patrick Verry, of no fixed address, received the sweeping ban after being caught stealing from a Greggs outlet in Wood Green, North London—his seventh theft from that particular branch.
The case, which has drawn national attention, marks a significant moment in the fight against rampant shoplifting. With Greggs and other retailers reporting skyrocketing theft rates, this court ruling signals a tougher stance on repeat offenders and sets a precedent for how habitual retail criminals are treated by the justice system.
Verry’s behavior, captured multiple times on CCTV, culminated in his arrest by undercover police officers on May 15. His swift guilty plea and the resulting Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) reflect growing frustration among retailers, law enforcement, and the public over persistent, low-level crimes that carry high social and economic costs.
The Man Behind the Ban: Who is Patrick Verry?
Criminal Background
Patrick Verry is no stranger to the UK’s criminal justice system. With a long-standing history of petty theft and antisocial behavior, Verry has been repeatedly apprehended for shoplifting across various retail locations in London. Described by law enforcement as a “prolific offender,” Verry has targeted small shops, convenience stores, and high street retailers with a frequency that alarmed both local business owners and the wider public.
What distinguishes Verry’s case from typical shoplifting incidents, however, is the audacity and persistence of his crimes. His repeated offenses against the same store within a short period were not only disruptive but also indicative of a broader pattern of disregard for law enforcement and social norms.
The Greggs Spree
Between April and May 2025, Verry was recorded stealing from the same Greggs bakery in Wood Green on at least six separate occasions. The chain’s CCTV system documented him walking into the store, selecting items from the shelves, and casually exiting without paying—each time escaping unchallenged.
Store staff and managers grew increasingly concerned, eventually tipping off the local police, who launched an investigation. The frequency and boldness of the thefts, along with their impact on staff morale and customer safety, led Greggs to request heightened police intervention.
Caught in the Act: The Final Theft That Sealed His Fate
Undercover Operation
On May 15, plainclothes officers from the Metropolitan Police staked out the Greggs store in question, acting on intelligence provided by CCTV footage and staff testimonies. It didn’t take long before Verry returned, apparently unfazed by the increasing scrutiny.
As he attempted to leave the store with stolen food items hidden in his bag, officers confronted him at the entrance. According to bodycam footage released by the police, Verry initially appeared confused and tried to dismiss the officers before realizing the gravity of the situation. “I apologise bruv, I’m sorry,” he reportedly said as he was handcuffed.
CCTV Evidence and Police Statement
The arrest was bolstered by clear CCTV evidence from multiple prior thefts, all showing Verry engaging in the same routine. Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, who is leading the Met’s retail crime initiative, praised the officers involved and emphasized the importance of holding persistent offenders accountable.
“This was a targeted operation designed to stop someone who has repeatedly stolen from hardworking businesses,” Pathania said. “These individuals not only cause financial damage but also contribute to a climate of fear and frustration for retail workers.”
The Legal Consequences
Criminal Behaviour Order Explained
On May 16, Verry appeared before Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to six counts of theft. The judge issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), a legal instrument that allows the courts to place restrictions on offenders whose actions have caused distress or alarm to the public.
The CBO issued against Verry is one of the most extensive of its kind, banning him from every Greggs store in England and Wales indefinitely. Breaching this order could result in imprisonment, setting a serious tone for enforcement.
Court Hearing Highlights
During the hearing, the prosecution outlined the frequency and impact of Verry’s thefts. They also referenced his lack of remorse until the moment of arrest and his history of similar offenses. The defense, while acknowledging his criminal behavior, cited homelessness and addiction as contributing factors.
The magistrate, however, emphasized public safety and deterrence, stating: “Repeated theft from a single location is not only a crime—it’s a menace to society. This court has a responsibility to protect the public and retail workers from ongoing harassment and loss.”
Greggs and Retailers Respond to Surging Shoplifting
Enhanced Security Measures
Greggs, like many other retailers, has reported a sharp increase in shoplifting incidents over the past two years. According to internal sources, some stores face thefts every 20 minutes during peak times. In response, the bakery chain has ramped up its security protocols.
These include removing self-serve fridges in certain locations, trialing facial recognition cameras, and deploying private security staff. In some high-theft areas, Greggs is even testing the use of body-worn cameras for staff and contracting door security personnel—measures typically reserved for nightclubs and high-risk retail outlets.
Impact on Retail Worker Safety
Beyond the financial impact, there’s a growing concern for the safety of staff. Incidents of verbal abuse and threats from shoplifters have been rising. Retail workers are on the frontline, and many have reported increased anxiety and fear when dealing with potential thieves.
Trade unions and industry groups are urging the government to do more, including pushing for shoplifting to be treated as a serious offense, regardless of the monetary value of the stolen goods.
