Dear Resident,

We are increasing our efforts to tackle shoplifting in Sandwell as we make more arrests and bring more offenders to justice.

Operation Peppermint is our dedicated response focusing on targeting and arresting shoplifters, which has led to over 100 detections.

In the last five weeks, we have made more than 70 arrests for shoplifting offences.

As part of the operation, we have a dedicated team of officers who are focused on identifying reoccurring offenders, shoplifting hotspots and emerging trends. This results in arresting offenders and bringing them to justice. Officers are also increasing and tailoring their patrols to have a presence at key hotspots at specific times of the day when shoplifting is more prevalent. 

Insp Richard Boulter for Sandwell North, who is leading the operation, said: “We understand how frustrating shoplifting is for both members of the public and shop workers.

“It affects livelihoods which is why we are targeting repeat offenders that are causing misery to our communities.”

One of the hotspots for shoplifting is Bearwood Road in Smethwick which is why we have increased our patrols in this area. We also have a retail radio scheme in the area so shops can share information about crime, antisocial behaviour and suspicious activity with other stores to help them better protect their businesses. 

The council’s CCTV operators also have the radios meaning the people monitoring the network of new cameras on Bearwood Road can zoom in on troublemakers and share information with our police control room.

Sgt Jason Walters from Smethwick Police said: “The retail radio scheme is extremely helpful to us as it provides a well-connected system between us and the businesses. 

“We also cannot emphasise the importance of reporting shop thefts as we need your help to identify prolific offenders and keep your community safe.”

If you see suspicious activity in your area then please report it to us via 101 or LiveChat on our website. Always call 999 in an emergency.