Police made several arrests during a proactive operation to tackle shoplifting.
Plain-clothed and uniformed officers carried out patrols in Nottingham city centre to catch thieves and observe known offenders.
As well as keeping a watchful eye, the neighbourhood officers engaged with store managers and encouraged them to report any suspicious activity.
The operation held on Tuesday (14 February), resulted in three incidents being detected.
A man was arrested in Lower Parliament Street after three large boxes of washing powder were stolen from a nearby Poundland store.
Jamie Kilburn, of no fixed address, has been charged with theft from a shop in relation to the incident. The 30-year-old was bailed with conditions and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 9 March 2023.
In another incident, an 18-year-old man was stopped by officers after walking out of One Below, inside the Victoria Centre, without paying for sweets.
He admitted the offence and was given a community resolution – an out-of-court disposal option whereby the offender agrees to engage in some form of reparation. This can range from an apology, promising not to engage in the conduct again, or even attending a course to address the root cause of their offending.
In a third incident, a 32-year-old man was caught stealing ice lollies from Waitrose, on Milton Street. He was also made to comply with a community resolution.
PC Dean Lewis, of the Nottingham City Centre neighbourhood policing team, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime as it can have a significant impact on retailers.
“That is why we are proactively combating this issue with targeted operations in hot-spot areas, increased patrols and working closely with businesses to catch offenders.
“This week’s operation was a success and sends a clear message that shoplifting will not be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police.”
• 17th Century Nottinghamshire almshouses threatened by development plans
• Teenage girl sexually assaulted in Nottingham
• Fire destroys Gotham Memorial Hall, library and GP surgery
