Nearly 30 arrests were made in just two months as part of a police crackdown on shoplifting. Officers say that across August and September a total of 27 arrests were made, with 50 charges brought between them, including 38 in connection with alleged shoplifting or theft offences. More recently, five arrested and 15 charges were brought for alleged shoplifting offences over just 24 hours over last weekend, Saturday and Sunday October 12 and 13.
Sergeant Jess Prudence, of GMP’s Bolton town centre team said: “Our shoplifting team are dedicated to cracking down on theft and retail offences, constantly honing their skills in crime prevention and securing arrests and charges. “From an overarching perspective, we meet with local retailers when we can to discuss issues they may be encountering and look to resolve those in the best way possible. Police have been cracking down in Bolton (Image: Newsquest) Any retailers in the town centre should talk to local officers to see just how we can help them.
“Throughout Safer Business Action Week, you can expect to see plenty of officers about in Bolton. “Do feel free to talk to them about what they do and the issues you have been encountering.” The arrests were all made by Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated shoplifting team for Bolton, which is made up of new recruits being taught by more experienced officers.
This allows younger police officers to be deployed across Bolton for ten weeks before they are moved on to further op.