Shoplifting has reduced by 75 per cent at ASDA in Leigh, Wigan. The reductions come after several months of partnership working between the supermarket and police. Security has been upgraded, police have targeted prolific offenders and deterred them from entering the store and signage has been put up to inform residents that shoplifting will not be tolerated.
Cardboard cut-out police officers are also being used in the store as a further deterrent to thieves. The work is part of a pilot scheme and will be rolled out across Greater Manchester, police add.
Supt Andrea Jones of Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan Division, who is leading on the project, said: “The figures speak for themselves, as a 75 per cent reduction in shoplifting offences demonstrates just how successful partnership working is.
“This sends out a clear message to shoplifters that their actions will not be tolerated and I hope it reassures the law-abiding community that we are serious about reducing crime and making Wigan a safer place to live.”
Andrew Lawson, Investigations Manager at ASDA in Leigh said: “Asda are currently forging strong working relationships with the police around Greater Manchester. This project is a great example of how partners can work together to reduce crime.”
