Shoplifters beware, warn police
04 Dec 2009
Police in Ballymena are joining forces with local traders and CCTV operators in an effort to reduce the level of shoplifting taking place in the town. With 8 people prosecuted for every ten offences that have been reported, the message to criminals is very clear. Ballymena is not a place to come to shoplift or steal.
As Ballymena gets busier with Christmas shoppers, police say that they will be paying particular attention to this type of crime in the weeks ahead. Neighbourhood Inspector John Allen explained, "We are working in partnership with local traders and CCTV operators to conduct a co-ordinated approach to detect and prevent those who engage in shoplifting.
"Shoplifters should be aware that our partners are linked by two-way radio communications, with each other and the police. This technology will be used to good effect to identify known offenders should they arrive in Ballymena either on foot, by car, or by public transport.
"CCTV is a powerful tool in the fight against crime and in the skilful hands of well trained operators, it will be difficult for any offender to escape the gaze of the in-store or town centre cameras.”
"Our main aim is to prevent crime and to make the town centre safer for everyone so that people can enjoy their time in Ballymena. Even with a shoplifting clearance rate of over 80% it is important that the public continue to take sensible precautions to safeguard their own belongings from pick pockets and car thieves. Shoppers can rest assured that neighbourhood and response officers will be providing a reassuring presence by patrolling the town centre and car parks on foot, using bicycles and on mobile patrol as well.
"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We all end up paying higher prices because goods are stolen by thieves and it is therefore in everyone's interest to ensure that offenders are deterred from their unlawful activities by implementing crime prevention measures such as not leaving presents on open display inside vehicles, not leaving handbags unattended in shopping trolleys and by reporting any activity that raises your suspicion to shop staff and to police officers on patrol.
"Ballymena remains a popular place to shop and by taking sensible precautions residents and visitors will enhance their shopping experience in Ballymena.
"If shoplifters want to avoid the prospect of prosecution and Christmas behind bars, all they have to do is stop stealing property belonging to others and bring their unlawful activities to an end," concluded Inspector Allen.
Anyone who has any information regarding theft in the Ballymena area is asked to contact the police at Ballymena on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information about crime can be passed to the 'Crimestoppers' charity on freephone 0800 555111.
