Police are warning thieves there is a zero tolerance attitude towards shoplifting on the Isle of Wight this Christmas.
Officers on extra patrols in Newport, Sandown, Shanklin, Cowes and Ryde are working closely with shop staff, security guards and CCTV operators to target known offenders and respond swiftly to reports of suspicious behaviour.
Newport Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant Paul Jennings said: “Police will show no leniency towards thieves caught stealing goods from law-abiding shoppers and store shelves. Those arrested face searches of their homes. Some shoplifters have been known to store stolen items at home so they can sell them second hand.
“Reducing thefts from shops is one of Newport’s community priorities for policing. Some retail outlets have lost thousands of pounds through thefts in the past. This can lead to higher prices for customers because of the costs of extra security measures."
“The vast majority of us want to enjoy a trouble free Christmas when shopping so my message to thieves is that police are looking for you and we’ll catch you if you try to help yourself to free gifts.”
Codenamed Operation Humbug in 2008, a combination of plain clothes and high visibility patrols in and outside shops in Newport resulted in five people being charged with theft. Two teenage girls received reprimands, and one 18-year-old man was given a caution. Stolen items, including CDs, DVDs, cosmetics, and clothing were recovered. The amount of shop thefts reported in Newport has fallen over the past two years.