Arrests made and knives seized as focus keeps public and retailers safe

A drive to target crime and anti-social behaviour in town centres and shopping areas over the festive and new year period resulted in arrests for drug offences, the recovery of stolen property and the seizure of knives.

Operation Tinsel saw officers from Stafford’s three neighbourhood teams carry out high-visibility patrols of Stafford and Stone town centres, as well as Trentham Gardens and Madford, Queens, Hough and Kingsmead retail parks in Stafford, offering reassurance to the public and shop keepers, whilst preventing and detecting crime.

Officers also joined with partner agencies to ensure shoppers and revellers stayed safe while Christmas shopping and visiting the area. This included a joint warrant with Stafford Borough Council and trading standards at a retail premises, where illegal contraband items were seized.

In addition, visits to victims of domestic violence and bail checks were also carried out by our teams.

During Operation Tinsel:

• Two arrests were made for drug supply offences.
• Two people were issued with out-of-court disposals for being in possession of class B substances.
• Five Community Protection Warnings were issued to people involved in anti-social behaviour.
• 12 shoplifters were dealt with through out-of-court disposals.
• Nine stop-searches were carried out for stolen property/going equipped.
• Four stop-searches were carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
• Two stolen push bikes were recovered and the offenders charged and remanded.
• Three people were located and arrested for failing to appear at court.
• Two knives were located and suspects charged.
• Bolt croppers believed to have been used to steal bikes were located in Stafford town centre.

Officers also stopped a number of vehicles in the area with seven drivers reported for summons for various offences.

Stafford LPT (local policing team) commander, Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, said: “We launched Operation Tinsel to provide reassurance to retailers and the public; and to send a clear message that crime on our high streets will not be tolerated.

“Dedicated teams targeted shoplifters and focussed on tackling anti-social behaviour, whilst providing a reassuring, visible presence for those enjoying the night and daytime economy during the festive and new year period.

“An operation isn’t just for Christmas, though. Our efforts to ensure our town centres and retail spaces remain safe and secure environments for residents and visitors continue all year round.”

For advice on staying safe while out, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/