Gedling cops have been taking part in a county-wide drive to crackdown on retail crime in the run up to Christmas.
Neighbourhood officers have been taking part in Safer Business Action Week – a targeted week of action that saw police work with local businesses to clamp down on criminals targeting retailers and to help better understand the daily issues they face.
Local police carried out daily high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols to target prolific criminals and visit businesses and retailers across the county between November 10 and 14.
Officers continued with Operation Descent, which involves high-visibility patrols on foot and in marked police vehicles at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield.
They were on the lookout for known offenders identified through intelligence to help protect businesses and customers from the harm caused by shop thieves.
During the patrols, which also included supermarkets in Carlton and Burton Joyce, officers spoke with shop staff and retailers to check for issues and give guidance on promptly reporting incidents.
Inspector Dan Griffin, Nottinghamshire Police’s business and retail crime lead, said: “We understand the impact of shoplifting and retail crime on businesses, staff, and our communities.
“It is not victimless or against faceless corporations – it affects real people who want to work hard.
“The abuse that staff are subjected to will never be acceptable, and we’re committed to cracking down on prolific criminals and working with companies to disrupt and deter persistent offenders.
“Every day, year-round, our officers work to identify and arrest offenders causing harm and place them before the courts.
“As a force, we recognise the importance of working with our business community and partners to help tackle and prevent retail crime to ensure people feel safer.
“By working together, we can build a clearer picture of offending and develop strategies to target those causing harm while also supporting retail staff.
“Most shoplifting offences are committed by those who are stealing to fund substance misuse, such as drugs and alcohol.
“Organised criminal groups also steal items in bulk to sell for profit.
“We proactively target both groups through arresting offenders or signposting vulnerable people into further support with partner organisations, which is key for disrupting the repeat cycle of offending.
“It is key that support services are available to vulnerable people; however, we will not hesitate to act against those who continue with their criminal behaviour.”
Superintendent Lisa Maslen, lead of the National Business Crime Centre, said: “Safer Business Action Week is a valuable opportunity to focus attention on the challenges businesses face every day, while celebrating the ongoing partnership work taking place across the country.”
“The results we’ve seen from these collaborative efforts show the real impact of bringing together police, local authorities and the business community to reduce harm and create safer places to work and shop.”
