Walker Smith was tired of seeing shoplifters boost inventory at the grocery store where he had worked for nearly 20 years. When he saw someone stuffing numerous Lindt Gold Bunny Easter eggs into a bag, he decided to act.
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As reported by the New York Post, his decision to intervene led to his dismissal from the upscale Waitrose grocery store in Clapham, South London.
The Employee Was Told Not To Stop Shoplifters Before the Easter Candy Incident
The 54-year-old Smith grabbed the bag of Easter candy. He then struggled with the alleged shoplifter, causing the bag to tear. Chocolate spilled across the floor, and the suspect fled the scene.
Smith admitted that after the incident, he tossed a broken piece of chocolate in the air in frustration. He claims it wasn't aimed at anyone in particular. He then apologized to his manager, but he reported the incident anyway.
Several days later, Smith was called into a meeting. He was then dismissed. He felt "demoralized" when he was escorted through the back of the store.
Smith acknowledged that he had previously been warned not to intervene with shoplifters. Yet, after witnessing repeated thefts, he felt he had to do something.
"I've been there 17 years. I've seen it happen every hour of every day for the last five years," he said.
The Politicians Got Involved
As news of Smith's firing spread, public figures began to weigh in on the Easter candy incident.
The most prominent politician to speak out is Nigel Farage. He wrote on social media that it showed that Britain was "favoring criminals over law enforcers," add that the country "is broken."
Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, added that criminals are acting more boldly and with "little fear of consequence."
Meanwhile, members of Britain's Conservative Party urged Waitrose to rehire Smith. In response, the company disputed Smith's account, stating that "reporting on this does not cover the full facts of the situation." Waitrose also insisted that proper procedures were followed and that Smith had the option to appeal the decision.
A rival chain, Iceland, has since extended a job offer to Smith.
