THIRTEEN people were arrested in connection with shop thefts during the Christmas period, as Humberside Police continued a crack down on the problem.
The arrests came as part of Operation Violin, which has seen the number of shop thefts in the area steadily decreasing – particularly since the end of November last year.
As part of the drive to reduce the problem, the North East Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working closely with town centre retailers and Freshney Place staff to gather information on suspected offenders.
Among those arrested and charged with theft were:
Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Lynn said: "It is a pleasing result to see that shop theft continues to reduce across North East Lincolnshire, as police continue to work with the retailers and the staff at Freshney Place to ensure that those people who are intent on trying their luck, are caught and dealt with accordingly. "Shop theft is an issue nationally and we need to make sure that people understand that it will not be tolerated in our area. "We are working with retailers to ensure they make life harder for those who think stealing is an easy option. "The late night shopping events saw increased numbers of visitors to the town centre area. The local policing team supported by special constables and members of young peoples support services ensured that the evenings passed peacefully making it a positive family experience."This year retailers have expressed praise upon the work our officers have done to help keep this to a minimum. I am very pleased with this and we hope to continue to build on this throughout the year." Councillor Dave Bolton, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, added: "Safer Stronger Communities will continue to work with our partners to reduce shop theft and all other forms of crime."We take our responsibilities very seriously and the responsibilities we have to the retailers and their employees in these very difficult financial times and the uncertainty many retailers face for the future."
The arrests came as part of Operation Violin, which has seen the number of shop thefts in the area steadily decreasing – particularly since the end of November last year.
As part of the drive to reduce the problem, the North East Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working closely with town centre retailers and Freshney Place staff to gather information on suspected offenders.
Among those arrested and charged with theft were:
- Kevin Montgomery, 44, of no fixed address.
- Chris Heafey, 29, of Rutland Street, Grimsby.
- Richard Bromley, 38, of Eleanor Street, Grimsby.
- Nathan Green, 21, of Lawrence Street, Grimsby.
- Paul Greenwood, 43, Weelsby Street, Grimsby.
- Lisabeth Ball, 41, of Harrington Street, Grimsby
- John Sands, 31, of Mayfield Avenue, Immingham.
- Leon Pearce, 35, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby
- An un-named 15-year-old girl
- An un-named 35-year-old woman.
- An un-named 27-year-old woman.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Lynn said: "It is a pleasing result to see that shop theft continues to reduce across North East Lincolnshire, as police continue to work with the retailers and the staff at Freshney Place to ensure that those people who are intent on trying their luck, are caught and dealt with accordingly. "Shop theft is an issue nationally and we need to make sure that people understand that it will not be tolerated in our area. "We are working with retailers to ensure they make life harder for those who think stealing is an easy option. "The late night shopping events saw increased numbers of visitors to the town centre area. The local policing team supported by special constables and members of young peoples support services ensured that the evenings passed peacefully making it a positive family experience."This year retailers have expressed praise upon the work our officers have done to help keep this to a minimum. I am very pleased with this and we hope to continue to build on this throughout the year." Councillor Dave Bolton, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, added: "Safer Stronger Communities will continue to work with our partners to reduce shop theft and all other forms of crime."We take our responsibilities very seriously and the responsibilities we have to the retailers and their employees in these very difficult financial times and the uncertainty many retailers face for the future."