Very positive feedback for Operation Shopkind

POLICE officers are reflecting on a series of successful community engagement activities carried out across the force as part of Operation Shopkind.

The operation, formerly known as Operation Blitz, which ran during the weekend of February 11 to 13, was aimed at tackling violence against shop-workers.

It saw neighbourhood officers attend retail premises across the region to offer support to business owners and staff as well as provide guidance on how best to protect themselves from violence, shoplifting and other associated criminality.

Officers from Staffordshire Moorlands neighbourhood policing team visited 40 businesses across three market towns in Cheadle, Leek and Biddulph as part of the operation.

“The feedback has been very positive and we attribute a greater link between businesses, people and police staff to this operation” said PC Adam Tonks, of Staffordshire Moorlands NPT.

PCSOS also distributed specific crime prevention leaflets to businesses including barbers, florists, card shops, chemists and opticians.

Inspector Laura Morrey, of Staffordshire Police, said: “We are continuing to work alongside the Partnership Against Business Crime in Staffordshire (PABCIS) and Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce in order to apprehend prolific shoplifters and thieves who damage local businesses.

“This operation provided increased visibility across the entire county and has further amalgamated a force wide crackdown on business crime - which has seen a reduction in reported thefts across hotspot areas in Staffordshire.”

Staffordshire’s Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, said: “Successful businesses are vital for thriving communities, attracting visitors to our high streets and, in turn, benefiting our region as a whole through increased investment and employment.

“For those local businesses which are victims of crime, however, the impact can be significant.

“These are far from victimless crimes, which is why tackling business crime and supporting victims is a key part of my new Police & Crime Plan.”