GOOD Morning Britain fans cringed as Richard Madeley discussed shoplifting on the programme – despite being taken to court for it 28 years ago.
Supermarket bosses claim theft levels are “off the charts” as the cost-of-living crisis sparks a boom in “first time” shoplifters.
Viewers with a long memory pointed out the irony of 66-year-old Richard being involved in the debate.
He quizzed ex-police detective Peter Bleksley on how cops would prove pensioners are pocketing items to survive.
Richard asked: How would establish, say a couple in their 70s were stealing food or shampoo or whatever it was, because they had simply got no money and they had to steal to eat.
“How would you establish and prove that?”
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TV legend Richard was caught shoplifting in 1994 when he mistakenly took Champagne through the till on his food shop without paying.
He was taken to court but cleared of all charges after claiming he’d had a memory lapse.
Reflecting on the incident in an interview with the Guardian, Richard explained: “I put the food through the till, I forgot to take the champagne out.
“I can handle anything, I can juggle eight balls in the air, and actually I came a horrible cropper. I can joke about it now.”
But the shoplifting charge caused huge embarrassment to the journalist – who is still mocked over it now.
He added: “If I’d been accused of robbing a bank, at least it’s got a bit of glamour to it, but f***ing shoplifting… It’s like w***ing in a public toilet. Just horrible.”
Viewers commented on Twitter about Richard discussing shoplifting on today’s show.
One said: “Richard Madeley on GMB discussing whether shoplifters should be prosecuted. Priceless.”
Another added: “Richard Madeley giving an opinion on shop lifting pensioners is a bit rich.”
Someone else said: “Richard Madeley really debating shoplifting on good morning Britain??????? Oh the irony!!!!”
A viewer laughed: “Richard Madeley on GMB talking about shop lifting hahahaha he has a short memory hahahaha.”
Stores are being hit by big rises in the theft of “daily essential and low-value items” with shoplifters “stealing to eat”.
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To help track people coming in and out, some shops have reintroduced the one-way entry and exit points they set up during the pandemic.
Others have beefed up security with more staff and extra CCTV cameras.
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https://thecelebreport.com/television/sherwood-viewers-seriously-confused-as-they-spot-something-wrong-with-casts-mobile-phones
