Warning to Yarmouth shoplifters

POLICE in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston are warning shoplifters to stay out of the area or face prosecution as part of a Christmas campaign.

Officers from Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the district are gearing up for the festive campaign which will see an increase in patrols in the shopping hubs of Yarmouth town centre, Gorleston High Street as well the retail parks around Gapton Hall.

Police have also offered crime prevention tips to shop staff to ensure they are savvy to criminals trying to bag a Christmas bargain.

The South Yarmouth Safer Neighbourhood Team is working with the Town Centre Partnership, CCTV operators, street wardens and store detectives to ensure there are fewer opportunities for theft and that offenders are targeted.

In Gorleston, police will keep a close eye on known offenders through the Shop Watch scheme which sees shoplifters banned from stores and their details shared with other members.

Chief Inspector Stuart Armes said: “People contemplating shoplifting shouldn’t bother coming to Great Yarmouth or Gorleston, as it will not be tolerated.

“Last year our operation to target shoplifters was very successful with the number of incidents almost halved in the town centre, a trend want to continue this year.

“In Norfolk we catch and deal with the offenders in 86 per cent of cases of shoplifting reported to us.

“We want people to enjoy their shopping experience safely.

“So I would urge people to take on board crime prevention advice such as keeping handbags and purses closed and close to them at all times.”