TV personality Thomas Skinner has told of how he witnessed multiple people walk into a Greggs bakery chain and steal items of food within minutes of each other.

       In recent years, Greggs has faced challenges related to shoplifting within its extensive network of over 2,500 stores.

       Despite isolated incidents where individual shops have taken measures such as padlocking drinks cabinets to deter theft, the company maintains that these actions are not part of a broader corporate policy.

       Mr Skinner, known for his stint in the BBC's, The Apprentice, took to X, formerly Twitter, to share his disbelief.

       He wrote: "Stood in the queue at Greggs to buy two coffees and sausage rolls whilst out working this morning. While in the queue, 4 separate people walked into the shop, helped themselves to sandwiches, drinks, snacks the lot! None of the staff seemed to care and I thought I ain’t gonna bother getting into an argument with someone over a ham and cheese baguette."

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       He continued: "I don’t know people's finances, but what I did notice was that every single one of them had brand new trainers on and one was even sporting a Moncler coat! What’s happened to this country and why do people feel like it’s okay to just take what they want?

       "Sad to see; hope it is not also happening to small independent bakeries across the UK as well. Greggs you had ￡12 in sales from me but you must have had ￡40 worth of goods stolen in that short ten minutes."

       Spokespeople from Greggs have previously addressed the rise in shop thefts.

       Founded in 1951, Greggs has grown to become a staple on British high streets, offering a range of baked goods and expanding its menu to include healthier options like salads and rice bowls.

       This diversification aligns with public health initiatives, such as those in Newcastle upon Tyne—Greggs' birthplace—where local authorities have implemented bans on new fast-food outlets to combat rising obesity rates. Notably, existing Greggs locations are exempt from these bans due to their varied menu offerings.

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       The issue of shoplifting is not unique to Greggs; it reflects a broader trend affecting retailers across the UK. For instance, London shops reported a record ￡15 million in losses due to shoplifting in 2023.

       In response to such challenges, Greggs continues to focus on its growth and customer service, planning to open up to 160 new shops in 2024, with a strategic emphasis on locations like petrol forecourts and retail parks.

       While individual stores may adopt specific measures to address theft, Greggs says it is working to implement an overarching approach that prioritises creating a welcoming environment for all customers.