Two shoplifters have been jailed, 11 people have been arrested and 34 charges have been secured as part of a police operation tackling shoplifting in Welwyn Hatfield, Hertfordshire, over Christmas.
Operation Bauble has seen officers carry out increased patrols in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres in a bid to ”deter shoplifting, arrest offenders and reassure local businesses”.
The operation began on 26 November 2024 and will continue throughout January.
Across the busy festive period, a number of suspects have been identified and arrested. The results so far have included:
- 11 arrests
- Five suspects remanded into custody
- 34 offences have resulted in charges
- 34 weeks of prison sentences
- 24 weeks of suspended prison sentences
- Seven thefts prevented after suspects were caught in store
Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, commented: “Shoplifting is a priority for us all year round but we know it increases over the festive period. This is an important operation as it has helped to deter more offences and has seen a significant number of thieves face justice for their actions.”
The policing team deployed both high-visibility and plain-clothes officers to the town centres.
“Part of this work has included visiting local shops and businesses to listen to any concerns and talk through crime prevention advice. I hope this operation sends a clear message to those working in retail that we take shoplifting very seriously and we will do all we can to tackle it,” Sheldon added.
Retailers in Hertfordshire can use Hertfordshire Constabulary’s community voice platform ‘echo’ to share what they think should be prioritised in their area.
The feedback can help shape local policing priorities, initiatives, and campaigns.
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