Ethical Shoplifting Takes It Away!

Since the first 'CRISPO' Action at Norwich (see AU 7). there has been a contagious outbreak of ethical shoplift fever! This, the latest tactic in the fight against the illegal mahogany trade, came to a conspicuous head on Saturday 11th December when several broadsheets resorted ethical shoplifting activities happening around the country.

Dozens of activists in Brighton, Edinburgh. London (see below), Manchester and Southampton entered various stores displaying mahogany products and relieved them of some of these suspect goods, whisking them away from the shelves and to the nearest police stations - without leaving a tip of course - and despite the confused look of customers, the affronted looks of staff and the toppling of mannequins! Confronted with these CRISP (Citizen's Recovery of indigenous Peoples’ Stolen Property) Officers and their hoards, and informed that the items were suspected stolen from indigenous reserves in Amazonia, the bemused police were asked to investigate the source of the mahogany, be it a £27 toilet seat from Texas Homecare or a £275 solid mahogany table from Harrods.

Participants in these actions continue to risk arrest on charges from public order offences to theft. Five CRISP-Officers (out of 25) were held for seven hours In cells on 7th November in Manchester. After the day’s second action, where the manager was only too familiar with hosting EF! actions, the five were charged with conspiracy to steal - what a bloody joke! The Crown Prosecution Service (bless them) saw the farce and a month later dropped the charges. Similarly, a case was dropped against Norwich CRISPOs but two Stroud activists are due to appear in court in January.

Harrods

Friday 10th December - Britain's best known store is surrounded by 100+ protestors of all shades of green (yep, Greenpeace and FoE were there too) shouting 'Mahogany is Murder'. Meanwhile, inside the store. CRISP Officers (See EF! AU7) are upholding Brazilian law: ethically shoplifting rather tasteless items - including mahogany bathroom scales. In a nail-biting game of cat and mouse, activists and security guards stalked each other round and round the furniture dept. While some attempts to remove tables were foiled, and the activists served banning orders never to enter Harrods again (shame), over £1000 worth of mahogany was successfully 'lifted' and taken to the local police station, where they declined to arrest anyone and promised an investigation into our claim that mahogany is stolen goods. All pretty embarrassing for Harrods and another nail in the mahogany trade coffin.

Carry on liberating that illegally logged lumber and sooner or later the rascal retailers may follow B&Q's example of ceasing to stock mahogany (at least until existing contracts are completed). And next time you see a sign that says “Shoplifters will be prosecuted", enjoy the irony.... then nick it!

FOR CRISP actions contact Norwich CRISP-0 on 0603 631007
National Texas Actions 28th February 1993 contact Mcr EF! Tel: 061 248 9224