From time to time, Twitter, or other social media platforms, distribute shocking images of brazen criminals going about their illegal work with not a care in the world. Merrily shoplifting, they seem to be able to get away with whatever they want.
Whilst it is not quite as bad as some areas here in Wyre Forest, I am saddened to say that we do have our share of habitual offenders.
A couple of weeks ago, I toured Stourport with our local policing team to meet with some traders to see what their experience has been. I chose Stourport because one or two of the shop owners had contacted me and I wanted to see more for myself.
Whilst there is some random thefts from shops, by gangs that come in from outside, there are locals who are known offenders and the police are keen to bring a prosecution. And this is not just Stourport. All our towns are affected one way or another.
The good news is that my visit coincided with plans announced last week by the government to hit hard repeat offenders. Prolific offenders will now be faced with a mandatory jail sentence, and a greated use of facial recognition technology will help deliver the evidence needed.
But we need to make sure that this works and is seen to be working. All too often, shop owners will report a crime, an arrest will be made, a prosecution secured, only for the trader to spend a day in court and the offender to get a suspended sentence, or a fine. The following day, that offender is back in the shop, helping him or herself to unpaid for goods. This move forward by ministers tackles this problem.
But we can all help. It’s not only about catching thieves red-handed. It’s about intelligence too. If you see someone selling stolen goods in a pub, for example, call it in either on 101 or on the internet by visiting the West Mercia Police website. Although we have more police officers, they can’t be expected to be everywhere, all the time. Its only through crimes being reported and intelligence being shared that they can really stamp out repeat offenders.
There will always be criminals who will brazenly carry out their ‘trade’. And the police will always do what they can to end it. But we are all on the same side, so please help the police.