ISLANDERS are being encouraged to speak to shop staff or contact the police if they notice any suspicious activity while doing their Christmas shopping – as the force prepares for a possible spike in shoplifting.
PC Iain McCallum said that reporting potential instances of theft could help tackle “opportunistic” thieves as well as “serial offenders”.
He explained that the States police had been engaging with businesses as part of a campaign to crack down on shoplifting.
“We are aware that we are moving into the Christmas shopping period,” he said.
“We see sometimes there might be a slight spike in these offences, larcenies from a shop.
“Because town is so busy, it can sometimes be a great opportunity for somebody who is opportunistic to steal one thing – or serial offenders that we see all the time stealing things who might choose to do it around this period.”
While the force was already engaging with businesses on the subject, PC McCallum stressed that Islanders could also play their part by reporting unusual activity.
“If they see anything that they think is peculiar, or doesn’t sit right with them, or is suspicious, either speak to somebody who is a member of staff or contact the police,” he continued.
“There’s no harm in having a telephone call with us, and through that we can give advice or potentially lead off some information that they give.”
The reminder comes as the police continue to investigate the use of fake £20 notes – something which came to light in recent weeks – which has so far led to two people being arrested.
