Avon and Somerset Police in Keynsham arrested seven people for shoplifting during a week-long operation in the run-up to Christmas.
Officers in plain clothes and in uniform patrolled shops, supermarkets and car parks in the High Street area, using CCTV and the automatic number plate recognition system, ANPR, to identify offenders.
PC Lisa Hawtin, who organised the operation, said: “Keynsham is often considered an easy target by criminals from neighbouring districts. We took action in an attempt to prevent and detect shoplifting, and I’m very pleased with the results – seven people arrested and a clear message sent out that we will not tolerate people travelling here to commit crimes.
Keynsham Inspector Tim Stuckes said: “This was a real team effort with our officers and staff working with local shops to tackle these thieves. Some of those arrested were wanted by police for other offences and we also managed to recover stolen property and drugs.”
If you’re out shopping in Bath or the surrounding areas over the next few days, be vigilant of thieves and shoplifters, and help make staff aware if you spot anything suspicious.
