|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Police have launched a dedicated Retail Crime Squad to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour over the festive period in Gateshead.
Started on Monday (December 16), it brings together officers from Northumbria Police’s response and neighbourhood policing teams to address key issues in the town centre and Team Valley.
Led by Gateshead’s Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Nicholas Minto, it builds on recent activities and involves officers closely working with retailers over the next 12 weeks to target offenders, reduce crime and improve public safety.
Specialist officers are being deployed daily to the town centre in plain clothes with an aim to deal with offenders proactively.
Work is also being carried out with retail premises to help gather the best possible evidence utilising the high-quality CCTV system at Trinity Square and Team Valley.
The initiative has already delivered great results, with 23 stop and searches, one prolific offender sent back to prison and a number of high-value goods returned to shops in the area.
Praising the Retail Crime Squad’s early results, Gateshead Superintendent Stuart Liddell, of Northumbria Police, said: “It’s excellent to see the positive impact this specialist team is already having on the area.
“We understand the importance of creating a safe environment for businesses and shoppers over the festive period.
“At this time of year, retailers are already under a lot of pressure due to increased demand and sadly, there are some individuals that take advantage of this.
“But we’re already seeing the benefits of having additional resources in the town centre – and the response from the community has been extremely positive.”
Trinity Square shopping centre manager Lynn Stainsby said: “The launch of the Retail Crime Squad to address ASB and shoplifting is a great initiative.
“We look forward to working together with the team to make the town centre a safer place to live and visit.”
Anyone who sees anything suspicious in their community should report it to police via direct message on social media, instant chat on the Force’s website or visit https://www.northumbria.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/
About The Reporter
