Hackney Tesco Hit by Wine-Thieving Duo Busted
Two slick shoplifters have been nailed for swiping goods from a Tesco Express in Hackney. After a relentless police probe, Garvey Powell, 45, and Carmen Sinclair, 47, have been caught red-handed for over 30 thefts spanning from July 2024 to March 2025.
£Thousands Lost in Lightning-Fast Wine Raids
Powell and Sinclair’s high-speed heists centred on pilfering pricey wine. Powell, often lugging a big bag or rucksack, stuffed it full while Sinclair kept watch or grabbed items. On some days, the pair struck the same store multiple times, nicking hundreds of pounds’ worth of booze in under a minute.
Justice Served
- Garvey Powell of Hackney pleaded guilty to 19 thefts and breaching bail. On 18 March at Thames Magistrates’ Court, he was sentenced to nine months behind bars and slapped with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
- The CBO notably bans Powell from carrying any bags or rucksacks in Hackney — a direct hit to his sneaky tactics.
- Carmen Sinclair, also of Hackney, admitted 12 thefts. She awaits sentencing at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on 22 April.
Police Praise Team Effort
Sergeant Adam Hunter said: “Shoplifting hits businesses hard and fuels further crime. This case shows our officers’ dedication to tackling issues that matter to Londoners. These two cost Tesco thousands in stock and tens of thousands more in extra security measures. We’re pleased to have brought them to justice.”
A Tesco spokesperson added: “Our team deserves to feel safe. We thank the police, store staff, and security team for their hard work. We remain committed to keeping our Old Street Hackney Express safe for staff and shoppers alike.”
This bust is part of a wider Metropolitan Police crackdown on retail crime in London amid growing concerns from businesses and customers.
