Police operation leads to multiple arrests and reduction in shoplifting in Cheltenham
Operation Kracker targeted shoplifters and anti-social behaviour in December
A police operation in Cheltenham has lead to multiple people being arrested and a reduction in shoplifting.
Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team's Operation Kracker ran from 10 to 23 December to tackle anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in the lead up to Christmas.
As a result, 11 people were arrested as high visibility patrols were actioned across the town which also saw a 57 per cent reduction in shoplifting offences compared to the same period in 2019.
Of the 11 people who were arrested, five were charged with offences and have upcoming court appearances.
- 30-year-old Jade Stevens was charged with seven counts of theft from a shop, 20-year-old Joey Bitterlin was charged with two counts of theft from a shop and is due to be appearing at court next week.
- 20-year-old Joey Bitterlin was charged with two counts of theft from a shop and is due to be appearing at court next week.
- 18-year-old Oliver Willment-Costa was charged with theft from a shop and is due to have his first appearance at court in March.
Sergeant Steve Benbow said:
"I would like to thank my neighbourhood officers as well as colleagues from the Local Policing Team, Mounted Section, Special Constabulary, Training Assessment Unit and Force Control Room for all of their hard work during Operation Kracker.
"The feedback that we received from local businesses and members of the public was very positive and I feel that this is down to the group effort that was made by everyone involved.
"18 incidents of shoplifting were reported during the operation compared to 42 the year before and I am also pleased to say that we arrested nine more people compared to the year before as well as seeing a notable decrease in shoplifting incidents that were both reported and committed during the operation."