Concentrated crackdown on retail crime launched in North Tyneside

A concentrated crackdown on retail crime across North Tyneside has been launched by police and partners.

Operation Paradise sees officers working alongside Shopwatch as they look to target regular offenders and create a safe local environment for both shoppers and businesses.

As part of the activity, police will have an increased presence across North Tyneside both during the day and at night to deter criminals and offer reassurance to residents and businesses.

This includes ‘Paradise Patrols’ which will see officers conducting dedicated patrols around hotspots and providing a visible presence and ensuring they are able to respond to incidents quickly and effectively if, and when, they occur.

Neighbourhood Officers will also work closely with shops and retailers to educate staff in best practice around what they can do to support the operation.

This fresh push will also involve officers exploring and progressing alternative criminal justice avenues and Community Behaviour Orders (CBO) where appropriate, including a focus on identifying, targeting, and disrupting prolific offenders, with a focus on victim satisfaction. 

Neighbourhood Inspector for Wallsend and Killingworth, Craig Cook, of Northumbria Police said: “Shop thefts are our bread and butter in our quest to lock up offenders and support our communities. Whether that’s responding to the incidents reported, targeting the most prolific robustly, or simply dealing with the low value thefts positively – it’s all really important work.

“We’ve recently restructured how we operate as a force, and with that, comes a new opportunity for us to really hone in on methods to disrupt and crackdown on any form of retail crime.

“This activity sees more officers on patrol solely as part of Operation Paradise, working closely with partners to catch criminals and ensuring anybody who feels they can take what’s not theirs is dealt with appropriately.”

Insp Cook added: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Those who work in retail have a right to go to work without feeling threatened or scared or worrying that they’ll be targeted, and we want our communities to know that.

“It’s vitally important that we work closely with businesses and organisations to create a hassle-free, safe environment for shoppers and retailers. Lots of our hotspot areas are hubs of the community, so we need to make sure everyone feels comfortable visiting and working in those spaces.”

To report an incident or a crime of shoplifting to Northumbria Police, visit the ‘Report’ pages of the website, or call 101.

If a crime is ongoing, always call 999.