Police target town centre shoplifters

A team of officers will link in with the new force-wide initiative, Operation Viper, set up to target the most prolific criminals.

Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team is running a series of crime prevention events aimed at preventing retail theft, purse dipping and vehicle crime, particularly on the run up to Christmas. Leaflets with crime prevention advice will be given to retailers and shoppers.

Chief Superintendent Dave Oldroyd, who leads Operation Viper, said: “Shoplifting and retail crime is often perpetrated by organised crime gangs and our coordinated activity forms part of a range of tactics we are using to target these hardened criminals who seek to prey on the business community and the increasing amount of shoppers at this time of year.

“These tactics will be repeated in the coming days and weeks across the county without warning.”

Inspector Jenny Thompson of the Dewsbury NPT added:

“Retailers have told us they want to see action and action is what we are taking.

“We do experience retail crime in the town, but I want to reassure residents and shopkeepers that this is not an issue we take lightly and we are doing all we can to tackle the issue.”