More shoplifters are being caught and charged due to the working partnership between police and retailers.

Between April 2013 and September 2013 around 297 people were caught shoplifting in Stevenage shops. This is an 18% increase on last year’s figures for the same period and equates to 46 more offenders

Any offenders caught shoplifting are banned from the shop in which they committed the offence and police are now working to get any offenders who ignore the ban and re-offend, charged with a burglary offence which could carry a harsher penalty.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Stevenage Simon Tabert said: “We have been working hard with partners and retailers to really clamp down on shoplifting, increasing vigilance and awareness. We have a thriving shop watch scheme and most stores have good CCTV which has been vital in identifying offenders. We regularly publish through the media footage of those people we would like to speak to in connection with shoplifting offences and we always get a very good response from the public.

“I want to send a very clear message to those people who routinely shoplift in Stevenage, that this type of crime will not be tolerated - we can and will identify you and if you are a persistent offender you could be charged with a more serious offence and face a harsher punishment.”