British seamstress Lucy Sparrow launches her latest solo show in London this November. Banishing banality, Sparrow invites you in to her makeshift store at Lawrence Alkin Gallery to lift whatever you can get away with.

Shoplifting is a collection of works that focus the spotlight on one of the most common everyday criminal acts. Inspired by the artist’s time spent working in a supermarket, this show takes a humorous look at themes of larceny including the most frequently robbed items in the UK and the types of people who lift them.

Punters (honest and otherwise) can expect to see rooms overflowing with temptation – with new pieces in perspex frames and cabinets stuffed with hand-crafted felt items to tempt all types of people looking for a five finger discount (i.e. everyone).

Statistics show that retail crime is on the increase, with the annual cost soaring to £613m in the UK last year – the biggest since records began – driven by criminal gangs stealing luxury goods to order. Shoplifting exists to prove that this is even more common than most people imagine. So put on a massive coat and make sure you’ve got some strong thighs, shoplifting has never been as bright, colourful and enticing as this. Remember, thieves will not be prosecuted.

Lucy Sparrow – Shoplifting
Lawrence Alkin Gallery
Until 29 November 2016
www.lawrencealkingallery.com