Cambridgeshire Police arrest 25 in business crime crackdown

Officers gave safeguarding advice to businesses throughout Cambridgeshire, including Yaxley

Police arrested 25 people during a week of action last month that looked to clamp down on business crime.

About 250 firms were visited by Cambridgeshire Police to offer advice, in an effort to drive down offences.

Charges were brought against people for shoplifting, business burglary, breaching criminal behaviour orders, assaults, criminal damage and possession of weapons.

Officers said 60 charges were made, with 32 for theft from a shop.

The week of action took place between 18 and 24 March, as part of a national police initiative to stem the traditional spring rise in retail crime.

Neighbourhood policing teams spent hours engaging with businesses, including in Peterborough

Neighbourhood policing inspector, Sam Tucker, said: "Over recent months we have been working hard to improve the support we give our businesses in the ongoing battle against crimes like shoplifting and abuse directed towards their staff.

"There can be a misconception that 'lower-level' criminality such as theft, retail crime and criminal damage are less important and given less priority than other crimes.

"However, we recognise the impact these offences have on victims, businesses and employees including financial loss, abuse, threats and intimidation."

Police spoke to staff at shops in Whittlesey