Let's Name And Shame: Pharmacy Owner Takes Stand Against Theft With 'Wall Of Shame'

A number of shoplifting incidents at his pharmacy irritated a man of Pakistani descent living in the UK. He did, however, have a brilliant idea that has since succeeded.

UK Pharmacy Owner Puts Up 'Wall Of Shame'

SWNS

As Birmingham's theft problem grew, Whasuf Farooq decided to address it by building a "wall of shame" outside his shop and posting pictures of the offenders.

Strangely, the strategy had worked out well for him. The Saltley, Birmingham-based shop owner is reportedly unaware of the identities of any of the suspects. He has given them nicknames based on the things they stole to add intrigue to the wall of shame.

Names like "Nivea Man," "The Lynx Thief," "The Dummy Thief," "The Travel Thief," and numerous others are among them. The success of Whasuf Farooq's plan is attested to by the fact that some thieves have reportedly paid for or returned some of their stolen goods.

SWNS

Farooq added that he developed the idea after the police decided not to look into the situation. Shoplifting had been a major problem in the area, according to Farooq, but the police had done nothing to help.

He has already put up 15 to 16 people on the wall of shame

SWNS

About 15 to 16 people have been listed on the "wall of shame" in the past year. However, if the offenders come forward and make restitution, their images will be promptly removed. When they know they could be exposed for stealing, people think twice about it now.

"Naming and shaming works; when people see them, they identify them by their location or identity. I do intend to continue it," he continued.

It's interesting that Farooq not only gives the shoplifters nicknames but also humorous descriptions, which have caught the eye of Birmingham residents. Other stores have begun using a similar strategy, according to Farooq, but none of them have started adding amusing captions that customers seem to like.

He related a story about a man whose parents had seen his face on the "wall of shame" and had urged him to come back and pay off everything he owed in order to have his picture taken down. However, some people's families have come to make payments on their behalf.

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