A violent shoplifter who attacked shop staff with a saw has been jailed following a swift Metropolitan Police investigation.

Tedros Menges was sentenced to ten years in prison at Wood Green Crown Court today (Friday, 17 July) having previously been convicted of grievous bodily harm, non‑fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

The court heard how a panic alarm was triggered at a retail store in Enfield on 12 July 2025 after 22-year-old Menges attacked a security guard with a saw, strangled the manager and threatened other staff.

Officers were on the scene within two minutes and, after a short pursuit, arrested Menges in a nearby car park.

The subsequent investigation revealed that he had tried to steal jogging bottoms and fled once spotted. Realising he had left his phone behind, he came back for it. When staff refused to hand it over, he left again only this time when he returned, he was armed with a saw.

Chief Superintendent Anna McCartney, who is responsible for policing in north London including Enfield, said:

“Violence and abuse directed at shopworkers has a real impact on victims, businesses and the wider community. Staff should never have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs.

“This dangerous attack left two people injured and the sentence today reflects the severity of the offending.

“Those who think they can intimidate or harm retail workers should be under no illusion – we will pursue offenders relentlessly, take weapons off the streets and bring those responsible before the courts. The Met remains fully committed to protecting shopworkers and tackling retail‑related violence across London.”

The incident highlights the Met’s continued focus on tackling shopworker abuse and retail‑related violence, through increased neighbourhood patrols and close work with businesses to identify and arrest harmful and prolific offenders.

Across London, shoplifting fell by 3.7 per cent between 1 April 2025 and 31 March this year, compared with the previous year. That is around 3,200 fewer offences.

Background:

Tedros Menges, 22 (10.12.03) of Holbrook Close, Enfield, was arrested near to the scene of the incident on Saturday, 12 July 2025. He was charged the following day – Sunday, 13 July 2025.

He stood trial at Wood Green Crown Court in January 2026 following which he was convicted of grievous bodily harm, non‑fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

On Thursday, 17 July, he was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to a ten-year custodial sentence, of which he must serve a minimum of two thirds. This will be followed by a three-year extended period on license.

NOTES TO EDITOR