Don’t be a shoplifting Grinch and pinch this Christmas

“If you go to Hereford looking to pinch, watch out for the police, you’ll be spotted and arrested like the Grinch!”

That’s the festive warning from officers in the Hereford City Centre Team who are stepping up patrols now the busy Christmas shopping period is in full swing.

Police are teaming up with partners and retailers to clamp down on criminals seeking to take advantage of crowded stores and streets this festive season.

This week, staff at Flannels store have been working with the Hereford team as we launched our seasonal campaign to protect all retailers in the city.

We will be working closely with stores to root out anyone suspected of committing an offence, supported by an increased number of CCTV cameras covering the city centre as part of Hereford Safer Streets Project.

The project has seen 43 new CCTV cameras installed in Hereford recently, as well as upgrading four analogue ones to digital.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds, of Hereford City Centre Team, said: “With Christmas upon us, the city centre is much busier with shoppers buying gifts for loved ones and stocking up on goods for the season’s festivities.

“However, this can also mean an increase in acquisitive crimes such as shoplifting. We take such criminality seriously and work hard with our retail partners to ensure anyone being a shoplifting Grinch is brought to justice.

“Retail crime can often be seen as a victimless crime; however, we know from working with shops that it not only impacts staff, but also the public. It can also be linked to serious and organised crime.”

• The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity – the easiest way to do this is on our website. Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference. You can report online under the Report A Crime section at Report A Crime | West Mercia Police .

• Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

JI, Corporate Communications