23 people were arrested during a statewide blitz on retail crime this week, as police joined forces with more than 80 businesses to tackle theft and anti-social behaviour in shopping precincts.
The one-day ‘Synergy4Safety’ operation gave retailers a direct line to police, allowing officers to respond quickly to incidents as they unfolded.
In total, police dealt with 37 people, with 11 issued summonses and three young people referred to youth diversion programs.
About $700 worth of stolen goods was recovered and returned to retailers.
Officers also carried out 75 wand searches across shopping areas but found no weapons.
Inspector John Toohey said the emphasis was on early intervention.
“When we combine our efforts, the outcomes are far stronger than working in isolation and the involvement of retailers was central to the success of the operation,” he said.
“Working directly with more than 80 businesses allowed police to respond to local concerns and target problem behaviours more effectively.”
He said the operation sent a message that retail crime would not be tolerated.
The Tasmanian Small Business Council supported the crackdown, with chief executive Robert Mallett saying shoplifting took a greater toll on businesses than many appreciated.
“Whilst to some, shop stealing may seem a petty crime, to the victim it is a major blow to confidence, profitability and morale,” Mallett said.
“Keeping businesses and their staff safe, apprehending people who would destroy the confidence of our everyday shoppers and providing support to the community has an immeasurable effect on the way we live our lives.”
The operation also spotlighted Crime Stoppers Tasmania’s ‘Know Them? Name Them!’ campaign, which publishes images of suspected shoplifters on social media to help police put names to faces.
Chair David Daniels said the campaign had helped identify more than 100 suspects in ten months.
“Retail crime costs us all in the end and this is a chance for people to speak up to help police, local business and the community as a whole,” Daniels said.
