Police In Bideford Tackle Retail Crime
Police in Bideford, North Devon, have launched a new initiative to tackle shoplifting in the town, as well as the associated problem of handling stolen goods.
Neighbourhood Beat Sergeant Glyn Clark and his team are working with local retail bosses to reduce levels of shoplifting in the run up to Christmas and beyond.
He is encouraging store managers to work more closely with their counterparts in other shops and improve their evidence gathering opportunities.
The operation is being trialled for a few months to start with and includes stores across the town. Plain clothed police officers are patrolling the local supermarkets and arrests have already been made with some offenders being returned to prison.
Sgt Clark explained: “These local shops are losing thousands of pounds in stolen items and we need to do more to work together to deal with the problem. We will seize CCTV and share information where possible. The public can help by being vigilant and reporting any offences. We want to warn offenders that they are not welcome in Bideford shops and we will be working to ensure they will be caught and could be banned from retail outlets across the town.”
PC Chris Spence is the Bideford town centre beat manager and is part of the team working closely with business partners to build positive relationships and reduce the level of retail crimes in the area. The most popular items being stolen are alcoholic spirits, beer, Champagne, expensive meat, DIY tools and high value toys.
Crime prevention is a big part of the initiative to help the problem and this push by the Bideford police team is supported by colleagues at Torridge District Council, as well as the Bideford Town Centre Partnership.
Councillor Philip Hackett - Torridge District Council Lead Member for Community Safety said:
“We fully support this initiative to reduce and prevent crime in the town. Cooperation from all the organisations involved including retailers and the general public will hopefully deter people from committing crimes in the first place and make the retail environment more resilient to future incidents. We remain committed to supporting the police in their efforts to achieve these aims.”
Shoplifting costs the UK economy £1.4 billion annually and twice that for retail security. Those costs are passed on in the price of goods.
Sgt Clark added: “We are sympathetic to those who are facing poverty and people in genuine need can expect to receive support by way of local food banks and other organisations. Options are available and there is no need to turn to crime.
“Anyone who is caught shoplifting or handling stolen goods can expect to be dealt with by local officers. Offenders might think they are picking up a bargain but they could be collecting a criminal record.”
Police are also keen for more people in the Bideford area to sign up to Devon & Cornwall Alert. This is a two-way free system designed to allow residents and businesses to share information on any crime trends or incidents in their area via phone, text message or email.
Residents who wish to sign up to Devon and Cornwall Alert or want to find out more about local policing teams can visit the force website www.devonandcornwall.police.uk
For cost of living support visit www.torridge.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp
If you wish to contact the local police team with information please email torridge@dc.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers 0800 555111.
