Two boys arrested after local officers respond to shoplifting on retail park

Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences after we responded to reports of shoplifting in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

We were called to Wolstanton Retail Park at 5.10pm on Saturday (1 February) following reports of two teenage boys leaving a store without paying for items.

Two arrests were made:

• A 16-year-old boy, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, on suspicion of theft from a shop, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, handling stolen goods and criminal damage
• A 15-year-old boy, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, on suspicion of theft from a shop and criminal damage.

Both were questioned in custody and released on conditional police bail while our enquiries continue.

We’re continuing to work alongside retailers and small business owners in Staffordshire to proactively target those responsible for theft and burglary.

We don’t underestimate the impact it can have on people and livelihoods and we’re determined to act against offenders in our communities.