Police in Blackwood have launched an operation with businesses to tackle an increase in shoplifters in the town.
Recent figures show that between June and August this year, there were 30 incidents of shoplifting in Blackwood with 23 arrests made.
Gwent Police, together with the Blackwood Retail Partnership and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s team of CCTV operators are running the operation.
Officers will be conducting patrols in uniform as well as plain clothes to deter shoplifting, and are working closely with local security staff, store detectives and CCTV operators in and around Blackwood.
Blackwood Retail Partnership includes 25 businesses and aims to reduce crime by sharing information.
Huw Edwards, of Tidal Stores, is the chair of the Blackwood Retail Partnership.
He said: “Blackwood Retail Partnership works side by side with Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council to ensure that Blackwood Town Centre remains a safe and attractive environment for consumers to shop in.
“The partnership has its own communications network which allows shops to instantly pass on information about known shoplifters or suspects in the town. Gwent Police has access to this live network providing instant response if required.
“Blackwood High Street remains one of the busiest in the county and has an excellent mix of independent and national shops for the honest shopper. For those shoppers who aren’t honest, be warned, we are watching and you will be caught.”
Blackwood Inspector Mark Smith said: “As a busy local shopping destination, we have unfortunately seen an increase in the number of incidents of shoplifting in Blackwood over recent months.
“Local officers are determined to prevent shoplifting as well as target those responsible. We have increased our patrols in the town centre, utilising both uniform and plain clothes officers.
“We are working closely with the Blackwood Retail Partnership and CCTV operators to tackle this issue. We have already made numerous arrests for recent offences, so I would send out a clear message to those who think they can visit this town and steal – think again.”
Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services said: “CCTV is an extremely effective tool in helping to tackle and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in Caerphilly county borough, and by working together with our colleagues at Gwent Police and with the Blackwood Retail Partnership in this instance, we are sending out a clear message to anyone who feels it is acceptable to shoplift that they will not get away with it.”
Shoplifting always increases in the run up to Christmas, I assume this is a pre-season warm up. Which can only be a good thing as it creates a safer environment for all shoppers.