Police crackdown on shoplifting in Leicester city centre "a success"
A police campaign to drive down shoplifting in Leicester city centre during the Christmas period has been declared a success.
Officers from Mansfield House police station, in Belgrave Gate, worked with business group Citywatch to share information on known thieves.
Extra officers were also on patrol to deter shoplifters. The officers were also carrying radios supplied by Citywatch to enable them to speak directly to traders and to the group itself.
The number of thefts reported to police between November 24 and December 31 fell by 17 per cent on the same period last year – the equivalent of 28 crimes.
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Sergeant Andy Cooper, of Mansfield House police station, said: "I'm delighted that reported offences are down on last year.
"In addition, we haven't experienced the spike in purse thefts that we have traditionally seen in recent years, which I am confident is the direct result of increased officers and Pcsos being out and about in the city."
City centre director Sarah Harrison said: "The great reduction in the number of shoplifting offences and, equally important, the prevention of potential thefts this Christmas period has been an excellent achievement.
"City centre management and Citywatch have worked closely with the police all year round to coordinate activities and we knew our approach would be tested at Christmas time, so I am delighted with the positive results."
Comments
by mick233
Wednesday, January 02 2013, 10:54PM
“Magistrates seem to accept shoplifting as a trivial offence. If you want to see how tough the law can be just wander into a bus lane!”
by llamalamb
Wednesday, January 02 2013, 7:16PM
“The shoplifters seemed to be out in force on Boxing Day. There was a number of "incidents" in the Highcross Centre that appeared to be to distract the security staff & police away from the shoplifters.”