Shoplifter alert issued as festive season begins

Ballymena Retailers Against Crime have issued a red alert to local shops in the run up to Christmas.

Although Ballymena has a low crime rate compared to other Towns in N Ireland, the next few months statistically are the worst for retail theft activity.

Chairman, J Somerville, warned: “The next few months are critical for the retail industry that depends heavily on the seasonal trade at Christmas to see them through the rest of the year. Any losses during the next two months simply can not be afforded and can cost jobs in the retail sector.”

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Trevor Parker, BRAC Development Manager further added: “The partnership between Police, Ballymena Borough Council and the retail radio link has had a major impact in maintaining low crime levels in Ballymena and the detection rate for retail crime is just under 70% which is the highest in N Ireland. This means that seven out of ten retail thieves are being caught and that is very poor odds for anyone thinking of committing an offence.”

BRAC are currently issuing their Newsletter to the members of radio link with specific advice on preventing retail crime on the run up to Christmas. Trevor highlighted two points from the information in regards to early morning thefts and stereotyping.

Trevor commented: “There has been a number of retail thefts carried out first thing in the morning when staff are busy preparing the shop for business. Our members have been put on alert regarding this and are keeping a close eye on this tactic.”

The second point is the problem of stereotyping retail thieves and Trevor added: “It is wrong to assume that because someone is well dressed and looks respectable that they are not a retail thief. Many professional thieves are aware of this and dress accordingly, so as not to attract attention.”

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Audrey Wales, Chairperson of the PCSP and member of BRAC, has issued an appeal to the public for their help regarding retail crime and commented “Retail theft is a problem for each and every one of us, as it costs every household in the UK approximately £100 a year to cover the extra loading on prices made by retailers to offset theft of goods. We would ask that the public discreetly advise a member of staff if they spot any suspicious behaviour on retail premises”.

Insp Pete Bouma, Town Centre Inspector, commented: “As the busy shopping period begins, police will maintain a highly visible presence across the Ballymena area to discourage thieves. Officers will continue to work in close partnership with those agencies determined to tackle retail theft and continue to make Ballymena a safe place to live and work.

“If you are aware of any suspicious behaviour when visiting the shops in the area, please report it to police, as the strong working relationship with the local community helps to apprehend those involved.”