Two arrested for theft in Darlington under 'Shopwatch'

In a recent surge of efforts to combat retail theft, town centre neighbourhood police officers in Darlington, have conducted high-visibility foot patrols as part of ‘Operation Cargo’.

The initiative, aimed at curbing shoplifting and retail crime, led to the swift arrest of two individuals after a coordinated response to a theft in progress.

The incident unfolded when officers were alerted through the ‘Shopwatch’ radio system that a group had been overserved stealing items from Boots on Northgate.

Upon receiving the call, police officers and Police Community Support Officers, some in plain clothes, intercepted the suspects as they attempted to enter their vehicle.

The suspects who had crossed regional borders into Darlington, were promptly stopped for questioning.

Following identification by a Boots security guard, two women from the group were confirmed to have concealed items worth £756.36 without payment.

The stolen items were then retrieved and returned to the store, avoiding further loss to the retailer.

All the items the two women shoplifted from Boots on Northgate (Image: Darlington Police) Both individuals have been arrested, formally charged, and issued a 12-month banning order prohibiting them from entering any 'Shopwatch'- affiliated stores in Darlington.

Read More: 

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• Why Darlington is seeing rise in theft according to police

• Darlington shops to be protected in new shoplifting scheme

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The 'Shopwatch' initiative, designed to provide a networked response to retail crime, played a crucial role in the swift communications and coordinated efforts that led to the apprehensions.

As the holiday season approaches the Darlington Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team has reiterated its commitment to clamping down on retail crime.

Officers intend to continue increased patrols and preventative measures throughout the busy shopping months, sending a clear message to potential offenders that shoplifting will not be tolerated in the area.