Greggs Thief Nicknamed 'Hamster' Escapes Prison After £2,000 Snack Spree
A serial thief, dubbed 'Hamster' by Greggs staff, has avoided jail despite stealing almost £2,000 worth of food from the bakery chain. Adam Gosling, 39, who is currently homeless, admitted to 38 counts of theft from a shop in a recent court hearing.
Six-Week Theft Spree Targets Greenford Branch
Gosling's crime spree occurred at the Greggs branch in Greenford, west London, between December 30, 2025, and February 10, 2026. According to court documents, he targeted the shop 38 times, with thefts ranging from £12.30 to £100 per visit. Prosecutors at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court revealed that the total value stolen was £1,817.50, and he even hit the store multiple times on the same day.
Court Hands Down Suspended Sentence
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, chairwoman of the magistrates bench Judy Gregg sentenced Gosling to a four-month prison term, suspended for one year. This means he will not serve time behind bars unless he reoffends within that period. The decision came after Gosling pleaded guilty to all charges.
Police Praise Greggs Staff for Proactive Efforts
Police community support officer James Tupman commended the Greggs staff for their vigilance in logging each theft, which helped identify Gosling as the 'most prolific' thief. Staff had nicknamed him 'Hamster' due to the frequency of his crimes. The Metropolitan Police's Greenford Broadway safer neighbourhood team used CCTV footage to arrest him on February 10.
Tupman stated: "This result is the direct outcome of strong partnership work with Greggs staff, who have been exceptionally proactive in recording offences and supporting our investigation. The volume of thefts had a significant impact on the business, and our officers worked tirelessly to gather evidence, identify the offender, and put long-term measures in place to prevent reoffending."
Impact on Business and Community Response
The repeated thefts significantly affected the Greggs branch, prompting increased security measures. The case highlights ongoing issues with shoplifting in the area, with police emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling such crimes. Gosling's homeless status was noted during the proceedings, but it did not mitigate the financial impact on the business.
