A MAN has been arrested during an operation targeting shoplifters in Redditch.
Yesterday (October 18 ) officers from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) worked with staff at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
Both uniformed and plain clothed officers carried out patrols throughout stores in the centre in a day of action for Safer Business Action Week.
SNT officers also visited stores on the Abbey Retail Park, Trafford Retail Park, and supermarkets in the town to offer advice and reassurance to staff and the public around acquisitive crimes of shoplifting, theft, and fraud.
A 22-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were stopped for shoplifting and swiftly given a community resolution order banning them from the store they stole from in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
Plain clothed officers then spotted a wanted man near the main entrance of the centre, near to Guest Services.
A 31-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody for breaching his bail conditions and witness intimidation.
Sgt David Roberts of Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This successful operation was targeted at shoplifters whose actions have a major impact on livelihoods in the communities we serve in North Worcestershire.
“Shoplifting can affect retail prices, insurance premiums and damages local communities through fear of crime.
“Tackling business crime is an important focus of West Mercia Police’s We Don’t Buy Crime campaign with operations and investigations carried out all-year round.
“Our dedicated Business Crime teams have been out and about this Safer Business Action Week highlighting the vital work we do year-round with our partner agencies and advising what you can do to prevent yourself, your business and community from being a victim.”
Adrian Field, the Kingfisher Shopping Centre Manager, said: “We work collaboratively daily with the officers from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to identify and root out shoplifters and those causing anti-social behaviour in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
“We welcome and support this operation and their regular patrols to support our security teams as we strive to keep the centre a safe and welcoming environment for our guests and the staff who work in our shops.”
PS David Roberts added: “I would urge anyone concerned about business crime to contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team, who can provide crime prevention advice and details of initiatives such as joining a BID scheme, Shopwatch, shared radio schemes, Pubwatch, Police and Security initiative and the Secured Environments scheme.
