Businesses hail retail crime crackdown a success

Police have increased interaction with businesses in the town

A police operation targeting retail crime and anti-social behaviour has had "notable results", businesses have said.

Operation Workforce saw the neighbourhood policing team tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), retail crime, drugs and serious violence in and around the Market Square area of Northampton.

This also involved regular meetings with businesses to share results such as a decrease in the number of reported shop thefts and ASB incidents and that 52 arrests were made in the first few weeks, Northamptonshire Police said.

Mark Mullen, from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), said the improved relationship with the police was "starting to pay off".

Insp Nicola Davis-Lyons, from Northamptonshire Police, said: "My team has worked hard throughout Operation Workforce to bring about lasting change and drive down the crimes we know most affect those who work, shop and live in the town centre.

"We've increased our use of preventative measures such as community protection notices and warnings, to allow us to take appropriate and escalating action against those causing problems.

"We have also maintained visible foot patrols to deter and reassure which we know the public want to see.

"Seeing that pay off both in terms of a drop in offending and in positive feedback from people is great and so rewarding for us all."

Mr Mullen added: "The recent work carried by Northamptonshire Police, with notable results throughout Operation Workforce, has had a hugely positive impact and we look forward to seeing this level of commitment to tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour continue for many years to come."