Measures to tackle shoplifting in Scunthorpe town centre have been applauded by Humberside Chief Constable Tim Hollis. He highlighted the work in a report to members of the Humberside Police Authority.
The chief constable says Scunthorpe town centre traders and their security staff are becoming more proactive and involved in deterring shoplifters. He said: “Although North Lincolnshire saw a modest increase in the overall level of shoplifting during 2011/12, the trajectory in the second half has been very positive. Early in 2011 a new Business Watch partnership was formed with the object of reducing shop theft and anti social behaviour in the town centre. The partnership was instigated by the police and Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, but the traders now take responsibility for it.”
Mr Hollis said there was a strong tactical plan operating a mini IOM ( Integrated Offender Management ) process and making good use of ASBOs,where appropriate. He added: “The traders and their security staff are becoming more proactive and involved in deterring offenders and sharing information. Officers work closely with individual stores when they experience problems.”
The chief constable concluded his report by describing the new partnership as a “positive success story”. He suggested it might be extended to cover “outlying retail parks”.
In Holyhead meanwhile police report that they have reduced shoplifting offences in the town by more than half. Operation Hawaea was introduced more than weeks ago and has resulted in shoplifting offences being reduced from 28 to 12 over a similar preceding period.
Local Sergeant Andy McGregor said “This is very much a PCSO-led operation and their efforts have seen a significant and very positive reduction in offences of this type. In essence it’s about PCSOs getting into every retail premises in the town and giving advice and support from improving store lay out and security, early sharing of information and enforcement of banning notices and use of CCTV and other IT devices.
“The results so far have been very encouraging however this is only a start and work will continue to broaden the range of retail premises involved and share as much as we can with as many people as we can.”
