Hand delivered letters to known Blackpool shoplifters are warning them that they are being watched as stores prepare for the Christmas rush.
Traditionally there is an increase in shoplifting in the run up to Christmas, as thieves try to take advantage of the distraction of larger crowds in stores.
Lancashire Police officers are stepping up their presence in the town centre, in high visibility uniform and in plain clothes, in a bid to prevent shoplifting and thefts from handbags.
Letters, warning known and potential offenders that they will be targeted by police if they try to commit crime, are also being delivered to home addresses to reinforce the message that shoplifting will not be tolerated.
A number of offenders have been given exclusion orders by police, in conjunction with the Blackpool Business Improvement District. These ban them from all of the shops in the town centre. Breaching the order formulates evidence for a future ASBO or CRASBO.
Sgt Mark Goddard, neighbourhood policing, said: "The message is clear – shoplifters are not welcome in Blackpool this Christmas. Shoplifting is not a petty crime – it affects all of the town centre businesses and small independent retailers are hit the hardest. This can then have a knock-on effect for their families and the local community."
In November, 49 people were arrested for shop lifting in the town centre – resulting in 46 offences being detected.
Police have now issued CCTV stills showing people they would like to speak to in relation to a number of other shoplifting incidents.
Sgt Goddard added: "We work very closely with the local shops – the majority of whom are connected to the town centre radio link. Once staff realise an offence has been committed the offender’s details are sent out to the entire network and CCTV operators are also made aware. Shoplifters should know that we are watching them and are determined to bring them to justice."
