TWO rail passengers were stopped and searched by officers from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) as part of a day of action at Redditch railway station.
Redditch SNT partnered with neighbouring force West Midlands and British Transport Police (BTP) on the lookout for potential shoplifters or persons known to officers arriving from the Birmingham area.
The operation on Wednesday October 18 was part of Safer Business Action Week.
From the arrival of the 4pm train a man ran off from the platform and jumped a fence.
He was apprehended by officers in plain clothes who chased him between the railway station and the bus station.
The man was found in possession of cannabis which was confiscated.
Another man known to police was stopped and searched on suspicion of having items necessary for shoplifting, but nothing was found, and he was released.
Both men did not have valid rail travel tickets and were handed to West Midlands Railway officers and fined.
Sgt David Roberts of Redditch SNT said: “This was one of our regular joint operations 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.”
