Extra patrols held in a bid to prevent shoplifting

Cambridgeshire police carried out extra patrols across the county on Friday

Officers carried out extra patrols on Black Friday to help prevent shoplifting.

Cambridgeshire Police officers were joined by special constables across Cambridge and Peterborough on high-visibility patrols to help target shoplifters.

Officers patrolled Market Square, Grand Arcade, Grafton Centre, Fitzroy Street, Trinity Street in Cambridge and Queensgate, Rivergate, Westgate, Cowgate and Bridge Street in Peterborough.

A 49-year-old woman from Cambridge was arrested on Friday and has since been charged with three counts of shoplifting.

Officers were joined by special constables across Cambridge and Peterborough

Police spoke to shoppers and businesses in a bid to prevent shoplifting

Last year there were 704 reported shopliftings between 1 November and 31 December in Cambridge and Peterborough, an increase of 23% compared to 2022.

Sgt Kevin Misik, from the Cambridge City Neighbourhood team, said: "We hope that our presence across Cambridgeshire deterred thieves and that we were able to help shoppers enjoy Black Friday by keeping them safe from anyone trying their luck.

"We will continue to work with our partners tackling retail crime over the Christmas period to ensure that we can prevent as many thefts as possible."

Officers patrolled Market Square, Grand Arcade, Grafton Centre, Fitzroy Street, Trinity Street in Cambridge and Queensgate, Rivergate and Westgate