Cheshire Police conducts week of action targeting retail crime across the force

More than 30 arrests were made and multiple people charged following a dedicated week of action targeting retail crime across Cheshire.

Between Monday 16th March and Sunday 22nd March, Cheshire Constabulary carried out Operation Watchmaker, supporting a national week of action from the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships.

During the week, officers were out across the force tackling a range of retail crime while engaging with retailers, security staff, business partners and members of the public.

The week produced the following results:

• A total of 32 arrests were made, including 29 for shoplifting, two for robbery and one for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
• A total of 49 charges for individual offences were secured across the week (this includes multiple charges for the same individuals).
• One individual who was arrested was recalled to prison.
• A total of 17 community resolutions were handed out, as well as two Youth Restorative Disposals.
• High visibility patrols were carried out across all major retail parks and town centres across Cheshire.

Officers also encouraged retailers to join the force's ‘Report and Support’ campaign.

This involves retailers not only reporting incidents of shoplifting and other crime, but also supporting the police investigation by ensuring images and videos of suspects or other visual evidence - captured on CCTV or security staff’s body worn cameras - are submitted to police.

Images or videos which show suspects’ faces enable officers to use retrospective facial recognition technology to help identify those involved, increasing the chances of those responsible being prosecuted.

During Operation Watchmaker, Cheshire Police carried out 22 retrospective facial recognition submissions, which resulted in 10 positive hits, enabling fast-time offender identification.

Chief Inspector Dan Reynolds said:

“I am incredibly proud of the work our officers have put into this week of action. It has resulted in some fantastic results, including 32 arrests, multiple charges, plus valuable engagement with businesses and shoppers.

“The impact of retail crime cannot be underestimated and this national week of action from the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships is a testament to our collective ongoing efforts to tackle this issue head-on.

“While Operation Watchmaker may have concluded, this was just a snapshot of the policing tactics we use every day to help tackle shoplifting and other crimes against businesses.

“So, rest assured, our fight against those who choose to cause misery to local businesses continues.”

You can report retail crime to Cheshire Police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, or by reporting it via the Cheshire Police website.