Police in plain clothes target city shoplifters

Neighbourhood police officers in Exeter said the recent operation aimed to deter shoplifters in the city

Arrests were made and 13 people dispersed from Exeter city centre during a shoplifting crackdown by police officers dressed in plain clothes.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a recent operation "aimed to raise awareness and focus on the issue which causes local shop workers and owners a financial headache".

The force said police swapped their uniform for plain clothes to mix in with shoppers.

Andrew Sharman, from Exeter Businesses Against Crime (EBAC), said: “The shoplifting action day saw policing at its finest with crime being disrupted."

'Pleased with action'

Police said 13 people were dispersed under public spaces protection order powers, which meant they could not return to the area for a "given period of time".

The force said: "Four Police and Criminal Evidence Act searches were carried out for being in possession of stolen goods, two of which were positive.

"The individuals will be charged and summoned to court at a later date. A third search was also positive but the store decided on taking civil action instead of criminal prosecution.

"A man was stopped and questioned in relation to selling illegal tobacco on Exeter High Street. The tobacco was seized and the offender was dispersed," police said.

"A person was arrested for being wanted by police after failing to appear at court following three shoplifting charges for offences in Exeter. They were remanded in custody for the next available court session," a police spokesperson added.

Sgt Andy Walton said: "Our partners were pleased with the action taken and we will look to run another day like this again in future with EBAC.”

The EBAC partnership was established in March 2006 between businesses, Exeter City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.