Cheshire Police were out in force to support the national Safer Business Week

Local Policing Units across the county were out in force to support National Safer Business Week.

The nationwide week of action, which ran from 10th to 16th November aimed to crack down on retail crime.

They targeted key retail sites, smaller businesses and industrial estates with initiatives designed to protect property and businesses across the county.

Engagement events were held across the force area with advice given to local businesses and customers.

They carried out a range of activities from cyber crime prevention events to visiting shops to give crime prevention advice and support.

LPUs carried out plain clothed patrols in town centres and shopping centres and officers made 28 arrests for various offences including shoplifting, being wanted or breaching orders. All were charged and are now going through the courts.

The constabulary also enlisted the help of its facial recognition team which resulted in 20 positive hits on CCTV images of people committing retail crime in the county. That’s 20 people who can expect to be arrested in the near future.

Inspector Scott Fletcher said:

“It was great to see the LPUs out in force making arrests, giving advice on crime prevention, and engaging with the public – all in the name of Safer Business Week.

“This week has also highlighted some great results that were a direct result of the hard work our officers put in when it comes to tackling shoplifting and bringing the most prolific offenders in the county to justice.

"By forming close links and working alongside the local businesses and retailers, and our own partner organisations, we can better protect commercial properties, safeguard their staff and customers and prevent any future offending."