This is the moment a suspected shoplifter was tackled to the ground by security guards after allegedly attempting to make off with display devices from an Apple store at Battersea Power Station.

Officers were called at 4.14pm on Thursday to a store in Battersea Power Station following reports of a theft.

A 16-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of a Class B drug, Met Police said.

Footage circulating online appears to show a hooded person pulling devices from a display bench inside the Apple store before attempting to make off with them.

But as he approaches the exit, he is confronted by security staff, who swiftly move in and tackle him to the ground.

Alarms can be heard ringing in the background as shoppers look on.

With the suspect on the floor, additional security staff can be seen collecting the devices, which appear to have been dropped during the incident.

A Met spokesperson said: "Police were called at 16:14hrs on Thursday, 5 November to a shop in Battersea Power Station following reports of a theft.

“Officers attended and arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of theft and possession of a Class B drug. He remains on bail while enquiries continue.

“The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 4550/5Nov."

Social media users were quick to praise the efforts of security staff, labelling them as “heroes”.

The incident comes amid renewed efforts by the Metropolitan Police to tackle retail crime across the capital.

The Met has reported a 3.7 per cent reduction in shoplifting offences across London, equating to approximately 3,500 fewer recorded offences annually.

But despite the reduction, shoplifting remains a serious challenge for retailers, with more than 100,000 offences recorded across London each year.

Between November 2024 and October 2025, Met officers physically attended 44 per cent (14,274) of the 32,133 shoplifting reports assessed as requiring an emergency or standard police deployment.

Police attendance is prioritised for incidents involving violence, detained suspects, repeat offenders or situations where forensic evidence needs to be secured urgently.

The incident also comes as retailers enter one of their busiest periods of the year, with Christmas shopping now in full flow.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said: “Honest retailers have been clear that they want action against the minority of rogue businesses that fuel retail crime, undercut legitimate traders and damage confidence in our high streets. This Met operation has done exactly that, targeting those who create a market for stolen goods and profit from criminality.

“Over the last two weeks, Met officers have targeted every stage of the criminal chain, from prolific shoplifters stealing to order through to the shop owners buying and reselling stolen goods. Tens of thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen goods have been seized, shop owners arrested and businesses closed down.

“Those results send a clear message: if you profit from retail crime, you will be arrested. Working alongside partners such as retailers and Trading Standards, we will use every power available to disrupt this criminality, protect honest businesses and make London's high streets safer.”

Battersea Power Station and Apple have been contacted for comment.