FIVE people were arrested across Chester and Ellesmere Por following a week of support for businesses during national Safer Business Week (November 14 – 20).

Local Policing Units (LPUs) across Cheshire were out in force as the nationwide week of action aimed to crack down on anti-social behaviour in shops as well as tackling some of the most prolific shoplifting offenders.

A man in Chester was arrested by officers from the Problem Solving Team for being in breach of bail conditions that had been imposed following his previous charge with retail theft offences. He was charged and remanded into custody and subsequently given a twelve-week custodial sentence.

Officers from the Chester Beat Team also arrested a man who had been seen on Local Authority CCTV stealing from Tesco. He was later charged and remanded. Officers from the Problem Solving Team made another arrest, deployed in plain clothes they witnessed a man acting suspiciously inside Tesco before running out of the store.

The officers pursued and detained him, and following a search, found him to be in possession of stolen alcohol. He was arrested and later charged. A third man was also dealt with by police having been detained by store security in respect of another theft and was given a Community Resolution at the scene.

In Ellesmere Port officers responded to a report of a detained shoplifter. Attending officers took the male into custody where it was quickly determined that he was responsible for another theft some days earlier. He was charged with both thefts and remanded in custody.

Chester officers also responded to a woman having been detained near to B&Q. Upon their arrival they were informed that the suspect was responsible for the theft of power tools the previous day and had returned today and taken a hoover. She was arrested and found to also be wanted on an outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant. She was charged and remanded.

LPUs targeted key retail sites, smaller businesses and industrial estates with initiatives designed to protect property and businesses across the county - including the ShopKind campaign which aims to prevent and challenge violence and abuse against shop workers.

In Ellesmere Port officers from the local Beat Team attended Cheshire Oaks for the day, deploying the Manchester National Anti-Violence Bee Monument which is currently touring the UK providing education and engagement. Officers engaged in this operation provided education to customers and retailers that sell knives.

LPUs carried out plain clothed patrols in town centres and shopping centres and officers made a total of 18 arrests across the county for various offences including shoplifting, being wanted or breaching orders.

Inspector Scott Fletcher said:

“It was great to see the LPUs out in force making arrests, giving advice on crime prevention, and engaging with the public – all in the name of Safer Business Week.

“This week has also highlighted some great results that were a direct result of the hard work our officers put in when it comes to tackling shoplifting and bringing the most prolific offenders in the county to justice.

“By forming close links and working alongside the local businesses and retailers, and our own partner organisations, we can better protect commercial properties, safeguard their staff and customers and prevent any future offending.”