Fifteen activists suspected of orchestrating a mass shoplifting campaign have been arrested by police in London, following a raid on a meeting in Westminster. The group, known as Take Back Power, was allegedly planning to steal goods from supermarkets and redistribute them as part of a targeted protest action.
Police Operation at Quaker Meeting House
Metropolitan Police officers disrupted a gathering at the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster on Thursday evening, where the activists were reportedly participating in non-violent direct action training. Authorities detained fifteen individuals on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft, with one person subsequently released on bail while the others remain in custody.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman emphasized the distinction between lawful protest and criminal activity, stating: "This evening's operation tackled a group who we have grounds to suspect were planning to steal from shops in a large, targeted and organised way. Theft is a crime and the public expect the police to deal with it - which is exactly what we have done today."
Group's History of Controversial Stunts
Take Back Power has previously claimed responsibility for several high-profile stunts in London. In December, members threw apple crumble and custard at a display case containing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Days earlier, they targeted The Ritz Hotel by emptying bags of manure next to its Christmas tree decorations.
The group describes itself as a non-violent civil resistance organization campaigning for a citizens assembly with the power to tax wealthy individuals. Following the arrests, Take Back Power stated on social media that the activists had been "arrested during a nonviolence training" event, noting that one person suffered a panic attack requiring ambulance assistance.
Venue Controversy and Police Justification
This marks the second time in recent years that police have raided the Quaker Meeting House for activist-related operations. Scotland Yard faced criticism last March after arresting six Youth Demand activists at the same location. The Quakers in Britain organization condemned the latest arrests, calling them the first at a meeting house "in living memory."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Harman addressed these concerns: "While we reflected carefully on those previous concerns before approving tonight's operation, and took steps to ensure we caused minimal disruption, we ultimately felt we had no choice but to act. We cannot get into a situation where groups planning criminal acts can escape police action simply by booking rooms in certain venues."
Group's Statement and Ongoing Investigation
In their social media response, Take Back Power criticized the police action as "draconian overreach" intended to "protect corporate profits and billionaires." The group highlighted food poverty statistics, claiming that "4 million children live in food poverty in the UK" while authorities focus on preventing their protest activities.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that their criminal investigation into the alleged shoplifting plot continues. Officers are examining evidence and statements as they determine whether to bring formal charges against the detained activists. The operation represents a significant escalation in police response to activist groups employing unconventional protest methods in the capital.
