Waitrose shoppers vow to boycott supermarket after firm's 'disgusting decision'

Waitrose shoppers vow to boycott supermarket after firm's 'disgusting decision'Waitrose regulars are unhappy after the supermarket fired a long-standing employee for trying to stop a shoplifter at the branch in Clapham Junction, southwest LondonNewsBradley Jolly Overnight News Editor23:13, 06 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesWalker Smith lost his job at Waitrose(Image: Facebook)Waitrose shoppers have today vowed to never use the supermarket again after it sacked a loyal employee for trying to stop a shoplifter.‌The firm's decision to dismiss Walker Smith, 54, was blasted by social media users, including many regulars at the supermarket. Walker's 17-year employment with Waitrose ended abruptly despite his brave heroics to try to detain a shoplifter who had attempted to smuggle high-end Easter eggs.‌The fury has become so fierce shoppers have said they will use alternative supermarkets instead. One posted online: "After you sack a long-standing employee for trying to stop a shoplifter, I'm afraid I can no longer shop at your store... Disgusting decision." Another said: "@Waitrose You have been every unfair and, as a result, I will no longer shop at your stores. This is outrageous."‌Waitrose, which has more than 300 branches in the UK, said in a statement challenging shoplifters poses "a serious danger to life". It stressed it is not company policy for its staff to tackle shoplifters.READ MORE: GMB's Kate Garraway reveals harrowing shoplifting encounter 'I was screaming'READ MORE: Shocking moment pensioner 'pushed by Morrisons security guard' before fallingView 2 ImagesWalker had worked at the Clapham Junction branch for 17 yearsBut the statement has done little to appease its customers. Another wrote online: "I will no longer shop at Waitrose." A further punter posted on X: "People should not be penalised for standing up for what's right. @Waitrose not only need to immediately...