UK Retail Crime Crisis: B&Q Staff Assaulted in Broad Daylight Theft Attempt

Police appeal after shocking assault and shoplifting incident at Farnborough B&Q - as retail crime surges nationwide.

Image: Hampshire Police

Do you recognise this man and woman?

Hampshire Police are urgently seeking to identify two individuals in connection with a violent shoplifting incident at B&Q on Invincible Road, Farnborough, which took place at approximately 3.05pm on Thursday, 15 May.

During the incident, £48 worth of goods were reportedly stolen, and a staff member was assaulted, suffering a cut to the finger. In addition, there was an attempted theft of a DEWALT angle grinder valued at £150, which was thankfully recovered.

The male suspect is described as: White, approximately 50 years old, Dark hair, Wearing a black Nike hooded top with white stripes on the arms, a yellow and orange baseball cap, black jogging bottoms with white side stripes, white trainers, a black watch on the right arm, and a red backpack.

The female suspect is described as: White, aged between 40–45, Dark hair worn in a top knot,.Dressed in blue jeans, a black hoodie with white writing and purple stripes, and black and white trainers, Carrying a black shoulder bag with white writing.

Police believe the pair may have vital information to assist with ongoing enquiries and are appealing to anyone who recognises them — or who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time — to come forward.

If you have CCTV, dashcam, doorbell footage, or mobile recordings that could help the investigation, please contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101, or report online quoting incident number 44250211933.

Surge in Retail Crime Across the UK

This incident comes amid a dramatic rise in retail theft and violence across the UK. According to the British Retail Consortium, shoplifting incidents surged by 27% in 2024, while reports of violence and abuse against retail workers reached over 1,300 incidents per day.

Retailers and staff now face a growing crisis, with many calling for stronger protections and harsher penalties to deter aggressive and repeat offenders.

This attack is part of a troubling pattern that threatens not just stock and profit, but the safety and wellbeing of everyday shop workers.

If you have any information that can help identify those involved in the B&Q incident, please act now.