Christchurch Police are warning shoplifters that they are going to come in for special attention in the lead up to Christmas. Traditionally the amount of thefts from shops increases in the pre-Christmas period and over the Christmas holiday period.
Police are making a special effort to reduce this type of offending and are working with retailers and security groups to initiate action that will stop the offending before it occurs.
"It's about reducing the amount of theft and the costs to businesses and the community. We have identified the main offenders in Christchurch who frequently shoplift and we will be taking a proactive approach to make it more difficult for these people to carry on committing crime," says Senior Sergeant Steve Kelly.
Police are delivering a crime prevention package to retailers targeting shop theft. 'Stop Theft in Your Business' is an initiative aimed at ensuring retailers do as much as they can to minimise the risk of theft in their stores. The acronym STOP stands for; • Security cameras, mirrors, locks and signage, • Take ownership of theft issues in your store, • Observe your shop through the eyes of a potential thief • Prepare for difficult customers and theft.
"In simple terms what that means is walk around your shop and see what the thief will see. Don't make it easy for the shoplifter," Senior Sergeant Kelly says.