AN anti-shoplifting operation around Evesham has been successful with a marked drop in reported losses from shops.

Evesham police launched Operation Initiative last month involving large numbers of uniformed and plain clothed police officers. Several had been drafted in from out of the area so regular, local shoplifters would not know them.

Police sergeant Phil Stayte said this week that the operation will continue to some degree and that despite not arresting great numbers of offenders, the operation had led to a lot fewer losses for traders.

"Our presence certainly put off a lot of shoplifters although how many were displaced and stole from other towns, we don't know. Reported thefts were down around Evesham and Broadway and the operation gave us a great opportunity to tie in with security staff in stores and offer advice. There has been a lot of good work done and a lot of information shared such as what sort of goods people were stealing and how stores and shops could minimise theft by rearranging the goods so the more expensive items are not near an exit, for example.

"There is also the fact that there are different types of shoplifters from middle-aged people who take the occasional item to the opportunist youngster who may put a Mars bar in his pocket. There is also the thief who steals higher priced items to fund a drug habit. These things can be razor blades, drink, even packets of cheese and frozen meat. There was once someone caught with a frozen leg of lamb down his trousers.

"We have had a closer working relationship with stores and a greater understanding of their concerns, as well as exchanged ideas, so we regard the operation as a success and it will continue," Sgt Stayte added.