Tower Hamlets: Calpol most shoplifted item in borough

Almost 40% of residents in Tower Hamlets live in poverty, the report found

Calpol is the most shoplifted item in an east London borough, a council report has revealed.

Tower Hamlets has seen a sharp increase in thefts, with baby products being stolen more frequently, it noted.

The council published the report looking at food insecurity in the borough, and whether the localised response was effective and sustainable.

Lutfur Rahman, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: "Reports of Calpol being stolen from shops are utterly devastating."

It is one of the poorest London boroughs, with 39% of its residents living in poverty, the council said.

'Not flushing toilet'

"The number one shoplifting item according to Safer Neighbourhood Team is Calpol," the report found.

"Desperation has led to an increase in theft. Shoplifting of essential items and medicine has increased. Theft of essential products for babies is also on the rise."

Mr Rahman told BBC London: "It shows how much the cost-of-living crisis is hurting our residents when they cannot afford basic medicines for their children."

The report also found some residents were taking extreme measures to save money, including skipping meals and not flushing the toilet until they had used it "multiple times".

About half of residents using a food bank in Tower Hamlets are employed

Bow Food Bank, which is one of the largest in the borough, is now supporting 800 households every week, the report said.

About 50% of people accessing it were in some form of employment.

Mr Rahman pledged measures to help residents, including free schools meals for primary and secondary school-aged children and committing more than £1m to local food hubs.

He added: "As much as we're doing, we are limited as a council.

"Central government needs to step up and provide more help to residents, so they are not forced into a situation where they are having to choose between heating and eating, or even stealing, in order to support their families."

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "Around 89% of prescriptions are free on the NHS in England.

"Patients with long-term conditions or on a low income can apply for a range of prescription charge exemptions or additional support through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

"Patients can also buy pre-payment certificates to cover all the prescription items they need for just over £2 per week."

The report will be discussed at an overview and scrutiny committee meeting on 24 April.

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