Police drive down festive retail crime by 50 per cent in Barrow

Barrow police have dramatically reduced retail crime in Barrow over the Christmas period with thefts from shops falling by over 50 per cent over the last two years.

The annual operation, dubbed ‘Operation Scapula’ involved officers and PCSO's from Barrow Police’s Community Team who were supported by officers from the Southern Tactical Support Group and Response officers who carried out both undercover and high visibility foot patrols around retail parks and the town centre shops and car parks.

The operation was launched on 21^st November 2011 and concluded on 5^th January 2012.

Sergeant Ian McClymont said, “Historically, you see a rise in retail crime around the Christmas period so we planned ahead and launched a dedicated operation to support local businesses and deter criminals in the town.

“By working closely with retailers and CCTV operators, I am pleased to see that there has been a reduction in retail crime of over 50% during the last two years.”

Between 21^st November 2009 and 5^th January 2010, 84 retail thefts were recorded. During 21^st November 2010 and 5^th January 2011, 52 retail thefts were reported to police and this year’s operation saw the numbers drop to only 37 reported retail thefts.

Sgt McClymont continued “It is fantastic to see such a dramatic reduction in retail crime as it shows that hard work from police officers and partners has paid off. What is also very encouraging is that the number of these types of offences that are detected by police has also risen - from 82% in 2009 to 86% in 2011 – meaning that more shoplifters are being caught, charged and brought before the courts.

“Of the 37 crimes reported to police this year, 86.5% (32) were detected and £2,286.26 worth of property connected to these crimes was recovered.

“Shoplifting and theft is something that we work hard to tackle all year round in Barrow and I think that criminals are getting the message that they are not welcome here.

Our dedicated police retail team in Barrow of PC John Paton and PCSO's Helen Fortey and Tracy Livingston make sure that the chances of getting caught shoplifting in Barrow is very high indeed, and it is our intention to keep it that way throughout 2012.”