A campaign to tackle shoplifting in Bridgend County and the Vale of Glamorgan in the run up to Christmas has seen a reduction in thefts in Maesteg and Barry. The campaign saw police officers making additional patrols in key areas, with officers working with shop staff to try to reduce the number of offences and detect more crimes. The Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Maesteg and Barry carried out operations to combat shoplifting during the period 1st December 2014 through to 12th January 2015. During the campaign police officers were supported by Community Safety Partnership PCSOs to increase high visibility patrols on the streets and within shops and stores. Police Sergeant Rob Lewis from Maesteg Police Station said: “The overall result for Maesteg was a 70% reduction in shoplifting from last year. This was achieved through a high profile presence, targeting know offenders and regular liaison with store staff”. During the campaign in Barry 26 people were arrested, 15 of whom were charged with theft whilst 3 people have already received fixed penalties or youth restorative disposals. PC Nicola Owen from Barry Police Station remarked: ”Theft from shops is not a victimless crime. It can have a significant effect on smaller retailers. We’d like to thank retailers and the public for their support and continuing assistance”. PS Lewis added: “The campaign has been a really successful joint operation involving ourselves and retail traders throughout Bridgend County and the Vale of Glamorgan.” “The feedback from retailers and members of the public has been very positive. They noted our increased presence and felt reassured by the measures we put in place”.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:17:35 +0000
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