Man charged with multiple shoplifting offences

Detectives have charged a man with shoplifting offences committed in Liverpool.

A string of shoplifting offences was reported at numerous Home Bargains shops across the Liverpool between July and October, and following enquiries a man was detained by officers.

Michael Anthony Garland, 54 years, of Sunlight Street, Newsham Park was charged with  15 counts of shoplifting offences.

This week, officers have secured 28 charges in separate incidents against three offenders for theft from shops in Liverpool.

Detective Sergeant Josh Banks said: “Business crime for all retailers is not a victimless crime, and the ripple effect can be devastating where staff can lose their jobs if the store closes due to constantly losing stock. Theft from stores also impacts shoppers as retailers raise their prices to make up for the loss of goods stolen.”

Last week was Safer Business Action Week where partners including police, council and businesses, come together to highlight the work which is done all year round.

Business crime covers a broad spectrum of threats to retailers where criminality involves Organised Crime Gangs are targeting the retail sector with one method is through ‘steaming offences’, where a large group swarm into a store and snatch items from display which can be very frightening for staff.

Antisocial behaviour is another element which has a real economic impact on businesses. For example people can feel intimidated if there is a gang of people can have therefore deters shoppers from entering the shop. Abuse towards staff is not acceptable and often goes unreported.

Call 101 to report an incident or contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.