Supermarket worker fired after 17 years for tackling shoplifter who tried stealing Easter eggs

A longtime supermarket worker in London says he lost his job after confronting a shoplifter who tried to walk out with a bag full of Easter candy — but the fallout has sparked public backlash and even a job offer from a rival chain.

Walker Smith, 54, had worked for Waitrose, an upscale grocery store, for 17 years when the incident unfolded in Clapham, South London.

According to Smith, a man entered the store, cleared out a display of Lindt Gold Bunny Easter eggs — each selling for about $16 (£13) — and stuffed them into a bag.

“I’ve been there 17 years. I’ve seen it happen every hour of every day for the last five years,” he told The Guardian.

Smith said he stepped in after being alerted, grabbed the