Crackdown on Worthing town centre shoplifters

Operation Billabong runs until December 31 – historically a time when thefts from shops increase.

Neighbourhood police sergeant for Central and Heene wards, Stuart Hatton, said: “By increasing the number of police, we hope to discourage people from shoplifting.

“Access to local crime data shows us when, where and how frequently shoplifters operate, and we are using that information to decide where to place police resource.”

Both high-vis patrols and plain clothes officers will be in the town throughout the festive season.

Advice to shoppers includes not leaving handbags or shopping bags unattended and not leaving purchases on display in cars.

Sharon Clarke, from the Town Centre Initiative, said the operation is reassuring to both shoppers and traders and it supports the Shopwatch security scheme which links security staff across the town by radio.

She said: “We seem to be seeing a downward trend with regards to shoplifting this year compared to the run-up to the Christmas period in previous years.

“Op Billabong is the deterrent we need to make sure thieves stay at bay and with traders taking part in Shopwatch it is very reassuring. Prevention will always be better than cure.”