Cops are said to be working extra days to prioritise combating a “damaging” issue plaguing an area of Glasgow.
Officers at Drumchapel police station in the north-west of the city have reportedly been utilising overtime to tackle shoplifting.
The issue was raised at a recent meeting of High Knightswood and Anniesland Community Council (HKACC).
An officer told attendees that there had been multiple reports of retail crime over the past month, particularly at a local supermarket.
He commented: “There have been several reports of thefts at commercial premises in the area, Sainsbury’s in particular.
“Enquiries are continuing to identify suspects. A number of people have been charged with shoplifting this month.
“Officers are working an extra day to cover shoplifting. Most of our teams are doing this.”
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s told the Glasgow Times that several security measures are in place at their stores across the UK.
These include trained security officers and colleague-worn cameras. The supermarket chain noted that it is also working with local cops.
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They commented: “It’s extremely important to us that our customers and colleagues feel safe when they work or shop in our stores.
“That’s why we have a number of security measures in place, including trained security officers and colleague‑worn cameras, and we continue to invest in technology and new approaches to help deter crime.
“We’re also working closely with the local police and other retailers to help create a safer environment for the whole community.”
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Inspector Siobhan Paterson, of Drumchapel police station, highlighted that overtime is a “flexible mechanism” which officers can use to help “maintain effective policing”.
She said: “Tackling shoplifting and other forms of retail crime is a priority, and local officers continue to work alongside Retail Crime Taskforce colleagues and partners to identify offenders and bring them to justice.
“We know how damaging retail crime can be to individuals and businesses alike and are committed to using every tool at our disposal to prevent further offences and bring offenders to justice.
“Anyone with information should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Overtime is a flexible mechanism which can help to maintain effective policing for all our communities.”
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