Christmas shoplifting clampdown

Newquay's Police Inspector has revealed that one person was arrested and a quantity of items recovered during a shoplifting operation at Kingsley Village in Fraddon.

Inspector Steve Johnson says officers have been as active as possible in the town and surrounding areas to ensure retail thefts do not become a major issue for business owners.

The operation, which took place on the 5th and 6th of December, involved plain-clothes officers.

The offender was dealt with in connection with four separate shoplifting offences. Inspector Johnson has vowed that further operations will take place over the Christmas period, warning: “Retail theft can become large scale and organised if not kept in check. Many people are stealing to fund habits which can be deep seated in drug addiction and for those reasons we remain vigilant and intent on targeting those who commit the crimes and those that continue to take advantage of vulnerable people.”

Earlier this week, Devon and Cornwall Police urged businesses to report every single shoplifting incident to help tackle the problem. The force says theft, particularly shoplifting, is not a victimless crime. Joe Champness, the crime prevention lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “We are urging business owners to report incidents to help create a profile and understand where resources are best placed. The information is used to coordinate a response in dealing with those causing the most harm and risk.”

Shoplifting incidents can be reported online, via the 101 non-emergency service, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.