MALVERN police are ‘intensifying’ patrols around shopping areas in the town to maintain low levels of retail crime throughout Christmas.
Operations Blast and Falcon will take place throughout December and January.
Operation Blast is focussing on acquisitive crime including shoplifting, handbag and purse thefts and fraud while Operation Falcon is designed to focus on theft from motor vehicles.
And on the first day of the operation (Thursday, December 1) an officer identified a known shoplifter in Marks and Spencer at Malvern Retail Park who travelled from Worcester.
The male was observed preparing to steal a number of high value items but was intercepted by uniformed officers before he could commit the offence.
Police say they have already received a very positive and encouraging response from retail staff and members of the public who say their presence is reassuring and makes a difference.
PC Cliff Green, from Malvern Police said: “This is not a response to an increase in crime but an initiative to maintain low crime levels.
“Malvern is a safe and pleasant place to live and we intend to keep it that way. During December and January retail areas become extra busy with shoppers. This potentially presents opportunity for criminals to target members of the public and businesses.
“The community has an important role to play in this. People can greatly reduce the chance of becoming a victim by being alert and taking steps to become less vulnerable so reducing opportunity for the criminal.
“Police will be available to offer crime prevention advice and to share information and we encourage people to come and speak to us whilst we are on patrol.”
