Second retail crime team launches in Sandwell

A second dedicated retail crime team has launched in Sandwell as our efforts continue to target prolific offenders.

Since the beginning of February more than 75 positive outcomes have been made by the Sandwell North Retail Crime Team.

The majority of positive outcomes relate to charges or summons but also includes community resolutions and cautions.

Some of the team’s successes include:

• Joshua Findlater, aged 39 from Birmingham has been charged with 19 thefts at a supermarket on Hamstead Road, Great Barr.
 

• Daniel Hwyl, aged 44, from Birmingham has been charged with 15 shop thefts after a string of incidents at the same supermarket in Great Barr. He is due to appear in court on 26 March.
 

• Claire Creswell, aged 45 from Darlaston has been charged with six shop theft offences at stores in Wednesbury. She is next due in court on 13 April.
 

• Kayli Hill, aged 39, from Willenhall, has been charged with seven shop theft offences in Wednesbury and Willenhall.

These offenders persistently targeted supermarkets and shops, impacting staff welfare and disregarding the law.

Sandwell now has two dedicated retail crime teams, covering the north sector and the south sector.

PC Jonathan Dean, Sandwell North Retail Crime Team said: “Our team has a real focus on protecting workers, supporting businesses and bringing offenders before the courts.

“We want workers and customers to feel safe in our retail areas and we are working with business owners to identify those that cause the most harm in our communities.

“Staff should feel safe when they are at work and customers should feel safe when they are shopping.

“Raising awareness and supporting businesses around the violence and abuse that is all too often directed towards those who work in retail is vital, which is why we are taking positive action to address this.”

For crime prevention advice on shop theft visit: Securing your shop from shoplifters | Crime Prevention | West Midlands Police

If you see suspicious activity in your area, then please report it to us via 101 or LiveChat on our website. Always call 999 in an emergency.