A brazen shoplifter was filmed emptying shelves at a Bournemouth Co op. Security watched, unable to intervene.
Vicky started recording him with her phone. He kept putting things into his coat. She thought his coat was modified to hold more. She wanted to see if filming would stop him.
He didn’t care that she filmed him. He kept stuffing alcohol bottles in his coat. One bottle broke while he was stealing. He kept going, grabbing gin and beer cans.
Security watched him but could not touch him. So, they just watched as he emptied the shelves. Co-op staff likely reported this theft to the police.
The Daily Echo asked Dorset Police about the incident. Police couldn’t find it in their records. They addressed the increase in retail theft generally. Shoplifting hurts businesses, police said.
Dorset Police use “Operation Shopkeeper” for this issue. They work with local groups to find thieves. They also identify theft hotspots needing attention.
Operation Shopkeeper targets the worst offenders. These criminals face tough penalties. Banning orders and civil orders are possible, and they can also get criminal convictions.
In a year, the operation targeted 32 offenders. They received almost 13 years in jail total. Three got over two years each.
Police commissioner David Sidwick spoke about Dorset’s approach. Dorset Police take strong action versus repeat offenders. Operation Spotter and Shopkeeper help.
These efforts show progress, Sidwick stated.
He added Dorset is tackling the issue directly. He asks the public to report shoplifting. Sidwick states that every report is important. He says working together can reduce shoplifting. He wants shoplifting to stop completely.