In a stern message to the public, Senior Superintendent of Police and Police Media Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa has called for an end to vigilantism against individuals caught shoplifting in supermarkets and stores. He emphasized the importance of handing over suspected shoplifters to the police rather than resorting to assault or violence.

SSP Nihal Thalduwa made it clear that when the police are present to investigate incidents of theft, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands and physically harm those suspected of shoplifting. He stressed that it is the duty of the police to handle such situations and that assaulting individuals for the crime of theft is unacceptable.

The Police Media Spokesman cited a recent incident in which a video circulated on social media and in the news, showing a group of supermarket employees assaulting a young woman who had allegedly stolen goods. He strongly condemned such acts of assault and emphasized that they will not be condoned.

Highlighting the importance of following proper procedures, SSP Nihal Thalduwa urged supermarket managers to inform all employees that vigilantism is not the solution when theft is suspected. Instead, employees should notify security personnel and cooperate with them to apprehend the suspects. Once apprehended, the suspects should be handed over to the police for legal action.

In a related note, it was revealed that a 25-year-old woman from the Hanwella area, who was involved in the recent incident, has a history of drug addiction and previous cases of shoplifting. The Police Media Spokesman reiterated that while shoplifting is a crime that needs to be addressed, it should be done within the bounds of the law and by letting law enforcement authorities handle the situation