A Day of Action in Glasgow City Centre, Drumchapel and Partick on Monday 4 August saw Police Scotland and Retailers Against Crime (RAC) work together to tackle retail crime and make 11 arrests.
In addition, six entries were made to the Scottish Intelligence Database, and there were four Recorded Police Warnings and one Anti-Social Behaviour Order given. Six positive Stop Searches took place and three proactive visits were made to premises often targeted. The offences varied from shoplifting, breach of exclusions, drug possession and traffic offences and the teams were supported by Apex Radio Systems Ltd.
In addition, numerous items of stolen property were recovered and will be returned to the stores they were taken from.
Intelligence was also gathered in relation to retail crime in the area and this will be progressed with key partners and policing teams for further actions.
Officers taking part in the day of action engaged with local stores to offer crime prevention advice and reassurance to those working and shopping within.
Sergeant Ian Cooper-Cairns said: “We recognise that shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and the impacts can be devasting and far reaching.
“As such it is imperative that we work closely with partners, including Retailers Against Crime, to provide visible and sustainable solutions.
“The results from the day of action speak for themselves, however it is important to note this type of work occurs daily as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling retail crime.”
RAC shared feedback from a retailer who was involved with the operation, who said: “As always, police allowed us to take the lead in detecting and stopping shoplifters and were quick to step in when needed. Each time, we’re continuing to build a stronger working partnership with Police Scotland and the response from officers was excellent. It’s always encouraging to see familiar faces in attendance – officers who are clearly there to make a real difference.”