A violent shoplifter who attacked shop staff with a saw in a terrifying raid has been jailed for 10 years. Tedros Menges was convicted of grievous bodily harm, non‑fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon, whilst trying to steal some jogging bottoms. Wood Green Crown 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.

Police raced to the scene and arrived within two minutes and, after a short pursuit, arrested Menges in a nearby car park.

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Menges had been trying to steal the joggers but fled once spotted, before realising that he had dropped his phone.

When staff refused to hand it over, he left again only this time when he returned, he was armed with a saw and launched his violent attack.

Chief Superintendent Anna McCartney of the Met 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.”

Police arrest video of Menges (Image: Met Police)

The incident highlights growing levels of abuse faced by shopworkers abuse – with an Express probe this month revealing how high street violence has soared to such an extent that one in 10 retailers say staff have been threatened by a weapon-wielding thug in the past year.

The damning finding is revealed in data obtained for The Express’ Stop the Shoplifters crusade which suggested 80% of UK retailers have suffered from crime in the last 12 months.

And three-quarters of retailers say despite ever increasing government promises to tackle the issue, crime continues to rise.

And more than 10% of retailers say employees have been threatened with weapons, one in 20 said they or their staff have actually been attacked with them.