Epping/Brentwood: New covert operation targets shoplifters

Shoplifters in Epping and Brentwood districts are being targeted by undercover officers as part of a new operation to combat theft.

Following feedback from shopkeepers, neighbourhood policing teams have been deployed covertly in shoplifting hotspots to catch repeat offenders red-handed.

Since the operation began, shoplifting offences have fallen by 16% across the two districts with 75 fewer offences reported in the past three months than in the previous quarter.

Eight offenders have been issued community behaviour orders (CBOs). CBOs can ban individuals from specific shops and can also require them to engage with addiction treatment services if that is a root cause of their offending.

It is an offence to breach the terms of a CBO, and courts can impose a maximum sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine if an adult is convicted of breaching them.

Sergeant Jamie Shepherd is coordinating the operation and said shop theft is an issue the team are cracking down on.

“We’ve been working with retailers in Epping, Loughton, Waltham Abbey and Brentwood to reduce incidents of theft and tackle repeat offenders.

“They have given us access to their systems which allows us to quickly identify suspects, and we’ve delivered training and streamlined the reporting system.

“By having officers in plain clothes, we’ve been able to intercept people who’ve taken good without paying for them, and it also acts as a significant deterrent as the person watching you fill your bag could be a covert officer.

“Since the operation started, we’ve seen a reduction in offending, and in Epping we’ve been able to dedicate additional time to the issue thanks to funding secured through the Epping Community Safety Partnership.

“This operation is ongoing and sends a very clear message to anyone who thinks they can brazenly steal from retailers.”

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