Saw-wielding Southbury shoplifter who attacked retail staff handed ten-year jail term

Tedros Menges attacked a security guard with a saw, strangled the manager and threatened other staff

Southbury Leisure Park and (inset) Tedros Menges

A violent shoplifter who attacked shop staff with a saw has been jailed.

Tedros Menges was sentenced to ten years in prison at Wood Green Crown Court today (Friday 17th) having previously been convicted of grievous bodily harm, non‑fatal strangulation, attempted robbery, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

The court heard how a panic alarm was triggered at a shop in Southbury on 12th July 2025, after 22-year-old Menges, of Holbrook Close, attacked a security guard with a saw, strangled the manager and threatened other staff.

Officers were on the scene within two minutes and, after a short pursuit, arrested Menges in the car park of Southbury Leisure Park

The subsequent investigation revealed that he had tried to steal jogging bottoms and fled once spotted. Realising he had left his phone behind, he came back for it. When staff refused to hand it over, he left again only this time when he returned, he was armed with a saw.

Chief Superintendent Anna McCartney, who is responsible for policing in Enfield, said: “Violence and abuse directed at shopworkers has a real impact on victims, businesses and the wider community. Staff should never have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs.

“This dangerous attack left two people injured and the sentence today reflects the severity of the offending.

“Those who think they can intimidate or harm retail workers should be under no illusion – we will pursue offenders relentlessly, take weapons off the streets and bring those responsible before the courts. The Met remains fully committed to protecting shopworkers and tackling retail‑related violence across London.”

Menges stood trial at Wood Green Crown Court in January. Today he was sentenced at the same court to a ten-year custodial sentence, of which he must serve a minimum of two thirds. This will be followed by a three-year extended period on licence.

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