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 across Cumbria.
Police patrols were stepped up in Penrith and officers made four arrests in relation to thefts and shoplifting. The team also secured three banning orders around youth ASB in Sainsburys. The local Community Beat Officers also worked with local retailers, restaurants, and shops to issue a business crime questionnaire. Almost 70 premises filled out the survey which will provide the team with useful information about the problems experienced by shops and retailers in the area.
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.”
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