Police exploring all avenues to tackle serial shoplifting in Newark and Sherwood, explains District Commander

From criminal behaviour orders to support services, police are exploring all avenues to stop repeat shoplifting offenders.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, recently set the neighbourhood teams’ policing priorities for this quarter — with shop thefts district-wide among them.

While improvements have been seen in some locations where there have been particular issues with shoplifting, it remains one of the most prolific crimes seen across the area’s town centres.

Inspector Ellam said: “Shoplifting is often linked in to other behaviour — such as anti-social behaviour and drugs.

“It causes damage to stores and feeds into the idea the town is unsafe, and so we’re focused on targeting prolific offenders.

“It is a long-term priority for the team, whether it is included in the quarterly priorities or not.”

Since the priority was set on March 31, the team has already seen a success as serial shoplifter Daimien Temple was sentenced to eight months in prison, after being caught red-handed by Sergeant Kate Taylor.

Temple, 44, of Vessey Close, Newark, was charged and pleaded guilty to three shop thefts — having stolen meat products and laundry detergent from Newark stores on April 12, 13, and 20.

As well as making every effort to arrest, charge, and remand offenders, officers will also look to secure further measures such as criminal behaviour orders to prevent re-offending.

In conjunction with this, partners in housing and addiction support services will also be involved to help tackle the driving causes of the thefts.

In the previous priorities there was a particular focus on shop theft in Ollerton and Boughton — places which crime data had flagged as particular areas of concern.

Between January and March, 34 investigations into thefts in the two areas resulted in a charge, caution, or community resolution.

Inspector Ellam added: “It’s much better than it was — but if we don’t keep on top of it, it could flare up again.

“It is difficult, and I understand the frustration for people working in the shops. We make a charge and then it seems they’re out again quickly — that’s why we’re layering on additional things to tackle the behaviour.”

Alongside the quarterly priorities, which are selected based on crime data as well reports and community concerns, the neighbourhood teams will continue their “broad focus” of jobs in the community.

Residents are encouraged to sign up to the NottsAlerts, at www.nottsalerts.co.uk, community messaging service, to have their say on policing in their area.

Once signed up, you can respond to surveys and receive alerts about crime where you live.