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15 people arrested following retail winter action in Norwich |
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Police have arrested 15 people following a series of retail crime action days held throughout December in Norwich.In a bid to tackle retail crime during the busy winter period, officers have increased both uniformed and plain clothed foot patrols across the city centre. These patrols have focused on areas where there are increasing reports of retail theft and associated offenses, such as violence and anti-social behaviour. Targeted locations have included Dereham Road, Gentleman’s Walk, Riverside, Prince of Wales Road, Haymarket, Norwich Market, Chapelfield and London Street. During the patrols officers have been working in partnership with retailers via an Alert Disc App, which they use all year round. This enables them to communicate with retailers across the city, sharing real-time information and helps to identify repeat offenders. Across the action days officers arrested 15 people for variety of offences, including: Whilst patrolling London Street on Thursday 11 December officers arrested a man on suspicion of three shop thefts between 2–6 December, after £300 worth of chicken and £160 worth of Ferrero Rocher chocolates were stolen. Anthony Smith, 45, of Harrier Way, Diss was charged with three counts of theft from shop. On Monday 15 December, officers arrested a man who stole £270 worth of women’s coats from a shop on Rampant Horse Street. Joel Lawrence, 52, of no fixed address was charged with theft from a shop. He has since been sentenced to four weeks in prison after pleading guilty. Officers arrested a woman on Tuesday 16 December, following four shop thefts, after wine was reported stolen from a shop on Dereham Road. Laura McCullough, 42, of Paragon Place, Norwich was charged with four counts of theft from shop. A man in his 40s was arrested on Wednesday 17 December on London Street, following six shop thefts that occurred between 21 October and 30 November. During one of these incidents a member of staff was assaulted. Paul Earl, 40, of Cadge Close, Norwich is charged with six counts of theft from shop and assault. Christmas decorations were reported damaged on London Street and Chapelfield Plain on 21 November. Whilst on patrols on Wednesday 17 December officers arrested a man on Gas Hill on suspicion of criminal damage. Matthew Burgess, 47, of William Kett Close, Norwich was charged with two counts of criminal damage. During the patrols, officers also dealt with fight outside a public house on Orford Hill on 17 December, which resulted in two men in their 30s being arrested on suspicion of affray. On Saturday 20 December, officers arrested a man in his 30s on St Stephen’s Street on suspicion of a public order offence. In addition, officers conducted three positive stop searches during the action days, recovering cannabis and stolen property, and arrested a man on suspicion of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order on two separate occasions. Retail Crime Beat Manager PC Ben Blewitt, said: "Retail crime is a shared challenge that requires a collective response. “In Norwich, we work closely with retailers and the Norwich BID to prevent crime, reduce violence, and keep retail staff safe. Tools like the Alert Disc App help us to actively pursue offenders to protect our fine city. “Working together with retailers, we can make a difference and develop sustainable, long-term solutions to the complex challenges facing the retail sector". | ||
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