Week of action to tackle personal robbery

We are taking part in a national operation as we continue to intensify efforts to tackle personal robbery.

Operation Calibre runs across England, Wales and Scotland and kicks off here in Staffordshire today (Monday 20 November).

It will see us intensify our efforts across a number of hotspot areas to target habitual offenders and take them off the streets. We will also be offering crime prevention advice.

Our week of action, which ends on Sunday (26 November), deliberately coincides with the build up to the festive period when shoppers are more likely to be out in the county’s villages, towns and cities shopping for gifts.

Detective Inspector Katie Gregory, the force’s Operation Calibre lead, said: “Personal robbery has a devastating impact on victims, sometimes leaving them and their loved ones with long-lasting trauma.

“Criminals look for easy opportunities and often target some of the most vulnerable in society.

“Police officers across the county work hard throughout the year to protect communities and I want to make it crystal clear to those who deem it acceptable to commit robbery; we will not tolerate this and we will do everything we can to catch you.

“For Operation Calibre, this week we will see an increase in operational policing activity as well as work with schools and colleges, to show young people the impact that robbery has on victims and offenders.”

Personal robbery safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Offenders target any perceived vulnerability.
• Stick to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths, which are more likely to be covered by CCTV.
• Only take licensed taxis booked by phone or a mobile app.
• Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight.
• Never leave a mobile, wallet or purse on the table of a cafe, pub or restaurant.
• If you are threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety.

For further prevention advice, visit: Personal safety: how to stay safe | Staffordshire Police