No safe store for shoplifters in Bolton as good results continue to roll in for neighbourhood team

Bolton’s Neighbourhood Team are just one of the many policing teams across Greater Manchester who are taking part in Safer Business Action Week.

The team were quick out of the blocks on Monday morning, making a visit to the home of a suspected shoplifter. During the visit, a small cannabis grow was found and seized, while further intelligence was gathered with regards to shoplifting in the area.

Throughout the day, officers continued to carry out work for the week of action, which included conducting patrols, interviewing suspects, and discussing further plans for the week.

Recent results in particular saw three wanted individuals found within the space of a week – and charges secured for offences including theft, shoplifting, and assault.

Bolton’s shoplifting team is already a dedicated asset within the town and has seen a number of arrests and ongoing engagement with store owners to tackle criminality around retail hotspots.

This week’s Safer Business work will see them increase their presence, patrolling stores, arresting shoplifters, and discussing the best approach to security with stores across the borough.

Officers will also be looking to promote #ShopKind, a campaign which aims to promote respectful behaviour towards shopworkers, recognising the importance of their role in day-to-day life.

Inspector Keiron Maddocks, from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Neighbourhood Team, said: “As part of Safer Business Week, we are committed to clamping down on shoplifting and all business crime across Bolton. Our dedicated teams will already be out and about and we will continue to support stores to tackle shoplifters and those who abuse workers in our town.

“If you have any information about shoplifting, or those who you suspect of engaging in the crime, then please contact us. You can contact police on 101, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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