Adam Gosling, a 39-year-old man, has been nicknamed 'Hamster' by Greggs staff after stealing nearly £2,000 worth of food from the same bakery in Greenford, west London. He committed 38 thefts between December 30, 2025, and February 10, 2026, with individual thefts ranging from £12.30 to £100. The methodical nature of his crimes led to increased vigilance among the staff, who began tracking the ongoing losses during the six-week spree.

During court proceedings at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that the total value of Gosling's thefts amounted to £1,817.50. The bakery staff, keenly aware of the unusual trend of frequent stock shortages, managed to identify Gosling as the culprit through CCTV footage. This proactive approach by the staff and local authorities not only highlighted the challenges faced by retailers in combating theft but also underscored the importance of community awareness and engagement in addressing crime.

Despite his extensive theft history, Gosling was spared a jail sentence, raising questions about the legal consequences for such habitual criminal behavior. The police community support officer involved emphasized that Gosling's activities marked him as the 'most prolific' offender at this particular store, reflecting a growing concern among businesses about the implications of repeat theft offenders on their operations and security measures.