Shoplifters Beware! This is the message being sent to shoplifters in Scarborough on the run up to Christmas this year.
Scarborough's Response Team are working together with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to increase patrols, to support retailers and help make the town safer.
PC John Axcell, from the response team said
"Shoplifting is an issue all year round, however, on the run up to Christmas, the financial impact on our retailers is massive. As part of this partnership, we want to send out a message that shoplifting in Scarborough, will not be tolerated this Christmas."
During December, a number of awareness events are being held in the Town Centre with purse chains and bells being handed out.
The North Yorkshire force are also providing help and advice to shop owners and staff.
Officers say shoplifters are not always what you’d expect as they specialise at blending in with shoppers. But they say you can often identify a shoplifter by their behaviour and have offered up a few tell-tale signs to look out for to help staff protect shops from these thieves:
- Many shoplifters dress smartly and will often speak to you, joke with you and engage with you.
- They don’t always work alone, and they may try to relax or distract you while an accomplice steals.
- They’re good at creating diversions, especially when you’ve unlocked a cabinet. Don’t fall for it. Get one of your staff to assist you.
The advice being issued to shop owners and workers also says:
"A key part of dealing with shoplifters is by having strong security such as a member of staff near any doors; by knowing your clientele; by encouraging staff to remain alert; and by intelligent use of security devices. There are also a number of tell-tale signs that flag up a shoplifter. But remember, while the following don't necessarily mean the person is guilty – and be aware that you are responsible for your behaviour, both legally and commercially – we recommend that you keep an eye on shoppers who:
- seem to be watching you and the staff rather than shopping and may be waiting for the right moment to steal an item
- seem to want to keep your attention and talk for the sake of it – possibly because an accomplice is elsewhere stealing
- look like they’re taking little notice of your products
- seem a little nervous and possibly pick up random items with little interest
- keep refusing your offer of help or assistance
- frequently enter your store and never make a purchase
- want you to unlock and open cabinets but don’t buy anything
If you see them take something, then ask them politely to put the item back but be careful to keep your tone neutral and back off if you feel threatened. Always be sure they’ve taken something before you speak to them – and only if you feel it’s safe to do so. Once you're sure that they are indeed a shoplifter, call 999. "
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