Blog Details
Operation Hemsworth – Uncovering an International Shoplifting Ring
The Challenge:
A group, later dubbed the "Morrisons Four," orchestrated thefts amounting to £120,000 from over 50 Morrisons supermarket branches across the UK. Their activities were part of a broader, organized crime network with international ties, making it difficult for individual police forces to identify the full scope of the operation.
Solution:
The investigation, known as Operation Hemsworth, involved collaboration among 27 police forces. By sharing intelligence, CCTV footage, and crime reports, authorities connected the group's activities to a Romanian criminal network. This extensive cooperation enabled the identification of key figures and the uncovering of the methods used to resell stolen goods through wholesalers and markets.
Outcome:
The coordinated efforts led to the arrest and imprisonment of two members of the "Morrisons Four." The operation highlighted the effectiveness of inter-force collaboration in dismantling organized crime networks that operate across multiple jurisdictions. This case underscores the importance of collaborative data sharing and coordinated investigations in addressing complex criminal activities, aligning with the objectives of the FILM System to enhance inter-agency cooperation and information sharing.
