On Tuesday (17 September) PC Danni Pratt from Boston’s Neighbourhoods Policing Team was part of a targeted operation to tackle the repeat offenders of theft in Boston.
PC Pratt explained how the operation was a well-coordinated effort between Local Authority Enforcement, Community Rangers, and CCTV operatives from Boston Borough Council, who were working alongside Lincolnshire Police’s Intelligence Development Unit as well as with shop staff and security officers from the town.
She said: “This initiative forms part of our broader Op Plotting work, which you may recall, targets the hot-spot areas of Boston. It also links in with our ShopWatch, which is a partnership scheme between local businesses and partners mentioned above, to support the communities in their fight against retail-related crime.
“It is acknowledged that Boston has the highest rate of shop theft in the county. Significant effort has been made to reduce the number of thefts in these areas with success over recent months.
“This operation targeted known individuals who were outstanding for shop theft across Boston.”
She added: “The day was a great success resulting in six suspects being arrested for theft. Four individuals were known to us, but two had travelled from the London and Hertfordshire areas.
“This operation was also a golden opportunity to gather evidence for outstanding shop-theft offences linked to other known offenders across Boston. We were able to refine the ways we collaborate with partners, and hopefully have built more trust and confidence among those with whom we spoke on the day, who witnessed our operation in full swing.”
Luke Newark 41, of Tattershall Bridge, Lincoln, was arrested and charged with theft and was handed an 18-week sentence in prison and a Community Behaviour Order for two years where he can only attend one store in the town.
Two women were charged with shop thefts from across the county totalling £4,000:
Bethany McDonagh, 21, of Pickard Close, Enfield, London, was remanded into custody, and is due to appear at Boston Magistrates’ Court on 24 September 2024.
Helen Joyce, 20, of Ver Meadows Caravan Site, Redbourn, St Albans, Hertfordshire has been bailed.
One 41-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were both issued a police caution.
Another 37-year-old man has been released pending further investigation.
Of the operation, Boston’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Ian Cotton said: “This was a successful day with six people arrested, three of those being charged and remanded for court. Working closely with the retailers and their security has been really positive. We hope to do more of these operations going forward. Our colleagues at Boston Borough Council Enforcement Team, CCTV and Community Rangers were instrumental in the results achieved.”
Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of the Council at Boston Borough Council, said: “We are very proud to support the efforts of our Neighbourhood Policing Team, alongside our own Enforcement Team, CCTV operators, and Community Rangers, in this well-coordinated operation. Tackling retail crime requires strong partnerships, and this initiative highlights the positive impact we can achieve when we work together with local businesses and law enforcement.
“We are committed to ensuring that Boston remains a safe and welcoming place for both shoppers and retailers, and we will continue to support proactive efforts like this to reduce crime in our community.”
