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As crowds of Canberrans head to the shops to stock-up ahead of Christmas and the Boxing Day sales, police will be keeping a close eye on anyone looking to sneak away without paying. About 10 uniformed and plain clothed police will be targeting shopping centres right across the territory. Shoplifting has fallen by almost a quarter through 2020 amid the coronavirus lockdown. Detective Inspector Adrian Craft said the increase was common ahead the Christmas frenzy, with centres expected to be busy this weekend as the last chance to shop before the big day. “It’s been an extremely difficult year for many businesses, particularly Canberra’s retailers who are so reliant on in-person trade,” he said. “Christmas is a time when we tend to see a much-needed increase in foot traffic through shopping centres however shoplifters can also use this time to mask their activity. “Police will be running a targeted operation this festive season in cooperation with retail operators and security to catch shop lifters who can face 12 month bans as well as criminal charges for theft.” Detective Inspector Craft said large businesses were often seen as easier targets, but small business should also be aware. Throughout COVID-19 shoplifting has fallen by about a quarter compared to 2019. So far almost 150 people have been apprehended compared to almost 200 the year before. Detective Inspector Craft said businesses should remain vigilant and keep an eye on their shop and if anyone saw someone shoplifting it should be reported to police. “People need to understand it does go on their record and that can affect them later in life,” he said. “I ask those people to consider how a criminal charge would affect your current and future employment because ACT Policing will continue to work closely with businesses and security and intend to apprehend those responsible. “ACT Policing will continue to work closely with businesses and security and intend to apprehend those responsible.” If you witness theft or any activity related to shoplifting you should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
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As crowds of Canberrans head to the shops to stock-up ahead of Christmas and the Boxing Day sales, police will be keeping a close eye on anyone looking to sneak away without paying.
About 10 uniformed and plain clothed police will be targeting shopping centres right across the territory.
Shoplifting has fallen by almost a quarter through 2020 amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Detective Inspector Adrian Craft said the increase was common ahead the Christmas frenzy, with centres expected to be busy this weekend as the last chance to shop before the big day.
“It’s been an extremely difficult year for many businesses, particularly Canberra’s retailers who are so reliant on in-person trade,” he said.
“Christmas is a time when we tend to see a much-needed increase in foot traffic through shopping centres however shoplifters can also use this time to mask their activity.
“Police will be running a targeted operation this festive season in cooperation with retail operators and security to catch shop lifters who can face 12 month bans as well as criminal charges for theft.”
Detective Inspector Craft said large businesses were often seen as easier targets, but small business should also be aware.
Throughout COVID-19 shoplifting has fallen by about a quarter compared to 2019.
So far almost 150 people have been apprehended compared to almost 200 the year before.
Detective Inspector Craft said businesses should remain vigilant and keep an eye on their shop and if anyone saw someone shoplifting it should be reported to police.
“People need to understand it does go on their record and that can affect them later in life,” he said.
“I ask those people to consider how a criminal charge would affect your current and future employment because ACT Policing will continue to work closely with businesses and security and intend to apprehend those responsible.
“ACT Policing will continue to work closely with businesses and security and intend to apprehend those responsible.”
If you witness theft or any activity related to shoplifting you should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
