In a dedicated day of action as part of the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) led Operation SaBA, prolific shoplifters were targeted and charges secured, South Yorkshire Police say.
On Tuesday (10 November), officers in Barnsley turned their focus to retail crime, looking at shoplifting and theft. Key hot spot areas were targeted around the district, with officers conducting both visible and plain clothed patrols, supported by Barnsley Council wardens. Officers also spoke to shopkeepers and workers, encouraging reports of any shoplifting and any suspicious activity.
Two charges were secured against two prolific shoplifters, with another one arrested and bailed. Two men were also reported on summons for theft and another handed a CJU10. In addition, one breach of the town Public Spaces Protection Order was issued, and four stop and searches were conducted.
Barnsley Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant Bea Higgins said: "Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, which many people think. It leaves businesses out of pocket, with shop workers having to deal with those who choose to steal, which is not acceptable.
"Retail crime continues to be a priority, especially in our town centre team.
"Our officers work closely with the BMBC town wardens to disrupt this type of criminality, working hard to ensure prolific offenders are brought to justice. They utilise things such as CBO's to reduce the number of thefts and shopliftings within the town centre. Just this week, our officers have secured six CBOs against repeat offenders."