MORE than 100 people have been arrested in Warrington town centre during a two-month police crackdown on retail crime.
Offences range from shoplifting to being drunk and disorderly – and in one incident three people were arrested in the Golden Square shopping centre on suspicion of stealing from a shop.
The trio, two women aged 23 and 48 and a 35-year-old man, all from Liverpool, will appear before Warrington Magistrates next month. They are currently on bail.
Police launched Operation Red Mountain in the town centre two months ago, with officers working closely alongside businesses to ensure positive action is taken against those suspected of being involved in retail crime.
Inspector Richard Reeves, of Warrington Town Centre Neighbourhood Police Unit, , said: “We are committed to tackling any issues that are affecting the local business community. We want to reassure retailers that we take any incidents of retail crime extremely seriously – we will not tolerate any sort of behaviour that has a negative impact on the town centre.
“During the day officers are carrying out high-visibility patrols in the town centre and dealing with any incidents. Officers are also working closely with premises, including those which have been affected by retail crime, to ensure that they have all the appropriate crime reduction advice and support.”
The operation has involved uniformed and plain clothes officers, backed up by PCSOs.
More than 100 arrests have been made and a further 25 individuals have been dealt with by way of restorative justice or being issued with a penalty notice.
Inspector Reeves added: “Members of the public can rest assured that our efforts will continue and we will do everything we can to disrupt suspected criminal activity within the town centre in a bid to continue reducing the number of incidents and to reassure members of the public.”
Anyone with any information about retail crime is urged to call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
MORE than 100 people have been arrested in Warrington town centre during a two-month police crackdown on retail crime.
100 arrested in town centre crackdown
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
