The police made 18 arrests during the crackdown on shoplifting

Officers were on their way in busy shopping areas in the province

Police have arrested 18 suspects as part of a major crackdown on shoplifting in Cheshire. The force deployed undercover officers to locations including Chester, Macclesfield, Congleton, Ellesmere Port, Crewe, Warrington And Widnes during the operation.

Now senior officers at Cheshire Police say efforts are being made to ‘better protect commercial properties’. The arrests came as police showed their support for national Safer Business Week.

Between October 14 and 20, the force sent local police units, in plain clothes, to city centers and shopping centers. The crackdown resulted in 18 arrests for various offenses involving shoplifting, being wanted and breaching orders.

Inspector Scott Fletcher from Cheshire Police said: “It was great to see the LPUs making arrests, providing crime prevention advice and engaging with the public – all in the name of Safer Business Week. This week has also highlighted a number of great results that were a direct result of the hard work our officers have put in when it comes to tackling shoplifting and bringing the most prolific offenders in the province to justice.

“By forming close links and working with local businesses and retailers, and our own partner organisations, we can better protect commercial properties, protect their staff and customers and prevent future offences.”