Police target shoplifters in south Devon

Officers spent time patrolling south Devon in both high visibility uniforms and plain clothes

Police officers spent a week tackling shoplifting offences in a bid to reduce crimes against businesses in south Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said between 14 and 20 October it gave crime prevention advice to 150 retailers, spent 900 hours patrolling and arrested a number of prolific shoplifters.

The focused effort formed part of Safer Business Awareness week and saw officers educate businesses on how to recognise suspicious behaviour and make their store less desirable for shoplifters.

Ch Insp Miranda Pusey said officers were building relationships with retailers in the region as being targeted by criminals can be frustrating.

'Safer environment'

"Business crime can take many forms, with each offence having a negative impact on both the retailers’ livelihoods and the wellbeing of employees," she said.

"Working together with shops enables us to share key safety and crime prevention tips, while gathering information about prolific offenders to build our cases."

She said working together with retailers as a "united front" will be beneficial to business owners and the police.

"Ultimately, we want to create a safer environment for both business owners and consumers," Ch Insp Pusey said.

"We want to assure the public that we are dedicated to protecting our neighbourhoods and supporting our local economy."