Police work with businesses in South Cumbria to tackle retail crime

Cumbria Police took action to support local businesses during a month-long initiative aimed at reducing offences and targeting retail criminals.

Neighbourhood Policing teams increased patrols and visited shops and businesses in March, offering advice and support in some of the county’s main retail locations.

A total of 18 arrests were made for theft and shoplifting offences during the month on the targeted days of action.

In Kendal, officers charged a man with robbery, theft and attempted theft following an incident at a town centre shop. A further three people were charged with shoplifting offences after a separate incident at a Kendal business.

Four youths were also spoken with and have been referred to the Youth Offending Panel for retail thefts.

In Barrow, high visibility patrols were carried out throughout the town centre and in retail parks and three people were arrested and charged in relation to shoplifting offences. Officers also carried out bespoke retail Street Safe’s* in the town centre to better understand the nature of thefts and whether they are reported.

Chief Inspector Lee Skelton said: “There has been a real emphasis on retail crime in recent months and this focussed activity throughout March provided a valuable opportunity for us to work closely with local businesses and partners to address the issue.

“Patrols were stepped up across all key retail areas in the county, increasing our visibility and providing a deterrence for any would-be offenders.

“These additional patrols also allowed officers to visit shops and make enquiries to identify offenders and arrest those found to be committing offences.

"The proactive action we conducted throughout the month led to swift positive outcomes in the majority of reported incidents. Enquiries remain ongoing to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to hold those who commit crime to account.

“Retail crime is far from being a victimless crime and we know the profound impact it can have on our highstreets.

"Cumbria Police takes an active approach to pursuing offenders who profit from causing misery to our local communities and retailers.”