Bolton’s shoplifting squad and neighbourhood team ensuring no festive dampeners with proactive work

Neighbourhood officers in Bolton town centre have been ensuring that Grinches can’t put a dampener on visitors spirits this holiday period, with comprehensive patrolling in the run-up to Christmas.

As festivities continue throughout December with rides, food stalls, displays, and shows in the town centre, the local neighbourhood team has proactive plans to tackle criminality where they find it.

The team have been working closely with partners including local authorities, stores, and charities, to distribute information and best practices for tackling and reporting crime.

Hotspot patrols rigorously targeting locations known to cause problems have been increased, with officers paying regular visits throughout the town centre.

This includes checking in on planned events for the centre, local retail parks, the interchange, and shopping centres.

In addition, the Bolton shoplifting team – which is comprised of new recruits being taught by seasoned officers – is continuing its efforts to clamp down on shoplifting and retail crime.

The new officers are able to see a crime from arrest to charge and sentencing, helping them learn the basics while tackling shoplifters.

While out on patrol – either in high-visibility uniform or in plain clothes – officers will keep in constant communication with stores to ensure they are providing the fastest response to incidences of either ASB or shoplifting.

Further work includes monitoring known offenders and issuing banning orders where appropriate.

Officers regularly secure charges and issue their news proactively, which can be monitored on GMPs Bolton Facebook page.

Sergeant David Kelly, from GMP’s Bolton district, said: “December is likely to attract more visitors to the town centre, with displays and shows for families providing plenty of entertainment. There are lots of places to do Christmas shopping too, so extra footfall is naturally expected.

“However, we are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who visits Bolton. If you see one of our officers out and about, please do feel free to approach them. They are there to serve you and will be more than happy to assist with any query you may have.”

If you have any information about shoplifting or anti-social behaviour that you would like to pass on to police, you can do so by calling 101, or visiting gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.