Lancashire Police have issued a seasonal shoplifting warning ahead of the busy festive retail period, saying there will be no let-up in their action to tackling theft.
As part of Operation Vulture, officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in busy town centres and targeting those suspected of stealing goods in a bid to reassure retailers and protect the public.
Over 700 arrests have been made, and 54 Criminal Behaviour Orders have been issued over the past 12 months as part of Op Vulture - Lancashire Constabulary’s crackdown on shop theft and associated violence, which is backed by Police and Crime Commission Clive Grunshaw.
58 Community Protection warnings have also been issued and overall positive outcomes for shoplifting have risen to 30% compared to 15% prior to the launch of the operation.
Police say that whilst many might feel shoplifting is a victimless crime, offenders can carry weapons striking fear in the heart of shopworkers and there have been cases locally where retail workers or security have been injured simply for doing their job.
The warning to shoplifters coincides with the national Safer Streets Winter of Action, a Home Office campaign focussed on reducing town centre criminality, shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour across the UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy said: “Retail crime, including shoplifting and violence towards shop staff, is an issue we simply will not tolerate in Lancashire.
“That’s why we launched Operation Vulture and why we’ll continue to take firm action to tackle retail crime as part of the Winter of Action, with plain clothed operations and high visibility patrols in hotspot areas.
“I am pleased that our action is having an impact on this area of crime which is of significant concern to people working in the retail sector who are facing increasing levels of violence.
“I know some people feel this is a victimless crime, but it isn’t. Offenders can and do use violence and that is simply unacceptable which is why we will continue to take action throughout the festive period and beyond.
“Our message to offenders is clear: if you choose to shoplift in Lancashire, you will be identified and prosecuted and may well face a prison sentence.“
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: "Retailers, shopworkers, and customers regularly tell me how crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour affect both businesses and individuals. Operation Vulture is Lancashire’s dedicated response to tackling these issues and through my Office, work is also ongoing to establish a Safer Lancashire Business Partnership which will launch early next year.
"During the Christmas period, town centres are busier and footfall in businesses increases across the county. That’s why, as part of our Winter of Action, I'm encouraged to see officers out on foot preventing crime and reassuring the public, particularly in areas we know offenders target.
"The Winter of Action builds on the success of our Safer Streets Summer initiative and sends a clear message to criminals: community-focused, intelligence-led policing is at the heart of Lancashire Constabulary’s work to keep people safe, day and night.
"We’ve already seen promising results in the first few weeks of the campaign, and I urge everyone to play their part by reporting concerns through Crimestoppers, the police, or our dedicated ASB website. Together, we can deliver safer streets across Lancashire, this winter and all year round."
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