Shoplifter nabbed at Gatwick after high-value John Lewis heists
Snatched at Arrival
A suspected shoplifter linked to a series of high-end thefts at John Lewis stores, including Bluewater, was caught red-handed at Gatwick Airport. Margarita Clementi, 37, from Brent, London, was arrested by Kent Police on Tuesday, 4 June 2025, just as she stepped off a flight and entered the arrivals hall.
She faces allegations of stealing designer handbags and luxury items worth over £2,000.
String of Thefts Traced
The investigation connects Clementi to three separate incidents at John Lewis Bluewater, with thefts reported on:
- 9 August 2024
- 23 April 2025
Plus an additional robbery at John Lewis Cambridge on 11 April 2025.
Police say during the Cambridge theft, two Coach handbags and a pepper mill set were also stolen.
Charged and Bailed
Clementi has been hit with three counts of theft. She’s currently bailed under strict conditions and must appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 7 July 2025.
Kent Police praised their swift action at Gatwick, which came thanks to sharp detective work and smart intelligence sharing.
