Shoplifting 'will not be tolerated' (From Western Telegraph)

Shoplifting 'will not be tolerated'

A warning has gone out to all would-be shoplifters in Haverfordwest that theft will not be tolerated over the festive season.

A heightened police presence in all the town's retail areas will be complemented by increased CCTV surveillance and liaison between police, staff and store detectives.

Inspector Nigel Hayes said: "We are warning you we are out there, and if we catch you stealing, we will prosecute you."

The scheme ran successfully last year, with over 20 arrests being made on the first day. However, this year, police are hoping to stop the crime before it starts.

Inspector Hayes said: "It takes a lot of time to process the people we arrest. Even if they end up receiving a caution, it takes around four hours to put them through the system. That's time officers are spending in the station rather than out on the street."

Throughout the year and especially around Christmas, the police deal with all kinds of shoplifters; from schoolchildren stealing to impress their friends to drug addicts stealing to fund their habits. Added to this is the ever-present threat of professional shoplifters; operating in teams and 'trying their luck' around the country.

Sergeant Tim Hoad, a driving force behind the scheme, is hoping the public will act as the 'eyes and ears' of the police; contacting either Haverfordwest Police Station on 01437 763355 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, if they see anything suspicious.

PC Jeff Evans, a designated town centre officer, is confident that a radio system linking store detectives across town will help store detectives identify potential shoplifters and keep them under surveillance.

He said: "This is not a victimless crime. Everyone pays higher prices for goods as a result of shoplifting."