Number Of Young People Shoplifting In Gloucester Is Down
Monday January 19, 2009
Police saw a reduction in the number of young people arrested for shoplifting in Gloucester during December following the launch of Operation Angel.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Schools Unit ran Operation Angel between November 1 2008 and December 31 2008.
With the assistance of the Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP,) officers aimed to reduce shoplifting among young people by educating them about the possible consequences.
The Schools Unit visited 12 secondary schools in Gloucester and gave the anti-shoplifting message to around 8700 young people in their assemblies.
They also displayed posters in city centre shops and schools in Gloucester, the Forest of Dean and Stroud highlighting the consequences of shoplifting.
In December there was a 28% reduction in the number of under 18-year-olds arrested for shoplifting in Gloucester city centre compared to December 2007.
Operation Angel ran alongside the city centre’s Shopwatch scheme, which aims to prevent and deter shoplifting by sharing intelligence between the police and retailers.
If an offender is caught shoplifting or behaving in an anti-social manner in one of the participating shops they will be banned from all participating shops. This will stop offenders having the opportunity to commit offences.
During the busy Christmas shopping period, Operation Base was launched in the Forest and Gloucester division. Officers in the division carried out increased patrols and retailers shared intelligence.
PC Darren Peters, of the Constabulary’s Schools Unit, said: “Operation Angel has clearly had a positive affect on those young people engaged in shoplifting.
“It has also made those on the periphery of such activity realise that even acting as a look out for a thief can land them in serious trouble with the Police, with consequences that can restrict their future careers and ambitions.
We are delighted with the reduction in young people involved in shoplifting and we would like to thank all the partner agencies that have helped us in making this Operation such as success."
Chief Inspector Emma Ackland, who oversees policing in Gloucester, said: “The CDRP welcomed the opportunity to support this initiative and educate as many young people as possible about the consequences of shoplifting.
“Operation Angel is not only about enforcement, but about prevention and education.
“By working as a partnership, we aim to support individuals and prevent reoffending.
“Shopwatch supports and commits itself to crime prevention and reduction initiatives.”