Operation Freighter continues to target shoplifters and handbag thieves in Woking

Two men were arrested last week as Operation Freighter continues to target shoplifters and purse dippers in Woking town centre.

The ongoing initiative sees the Woking Safer Neighbourhood Team's high visibility patrols supplemented with plain clothes officers on patrol paying particular attention to any would-be shoplifters and purse, wallet and handbag thieves. Anyone suspected of committing these offences is stopped and searched.

The two men were arrested after being followed by plain clothed police officers in to a store in the Peacocks Centre last Friday (10 February). One of the men was seen to select a pair of leather gloves, remove the tag and leave the store without paying. Both men were arrested, with one being released without charge and the other being issued with an £80 fine.

Woking Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Chris Potts said: "We do not want it to be a secret that there are officers on patrol in the town in plain clothes and signs advising as such can be seen in many of the shop windows. Shoplifting from stores within the town puts a strain on businesses, both big and small, in these difficult economic times and we are determined to crackdown on this kind of thoughtless offending.

"Those that come to Woking to commit these crimes fail to realise that we work closely with the stores in the town, along with the Peacock Centre's security team. Anyone caught shoplifting faces anything up to a lifetime ban from entering branches nationwide. This coupled with the potential of criminal proceedings means those who commit these crimes should ask themselves if they are willing to face the consequences when caught.

"Most visitors that come to Woking do so to enjoy the town centre and shops with no intention of committing crime. We want to send a clear message to those who don't adhere to the law that they will be caught and dealt with robustly."