Police have made five shoplifting arrests and caught a suspected drug dealer in just one day amid a crackdown on theft and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

Southampton’s Business Improvement District, GO! Southampton, and Hampshire Constabulary have been working to improve the safety of shop staff and curb retail crime in the city.

As part of GO! Southampton’s Safer Business Action Day on Thursday, March 14, police were able to take a number of offenders off the street including five shoplifters and a suspected drug dealer.

The arrests included:

  • Five arrests made for shoplifting
  • An arrest made for possession with intent to supply Class C drugs
  • Seven Community Resolutions were issued for various offences
  • An arrest was made after an individual was spotted receiving stolen goods from a known shoplifter
  • Officers from the Bevois Unit joined forces with City Council Trading Standards officers and seized multiple bags of illegal vapes being sold.

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Southampton’s Chief Inspector, Marcus Kennedy, said: “Our city centre unit has seen significant results since its launch in November and our dedicated officers continue to disrupt the prolific offenders causing misery in Southampton.

“In March alone we charged 18 people with theft offences in the city centre and we know that this work is making a real difference to staff and businesses in the area.

“We know that there is more to be done of course and our efforts won’t stop. We will continue to keep up the pressure on those targeting retailers and shop staff, who have a right to feel safe and secure at work.

“Retail crime remains a priority for us and we know it remains a priority for businesses here in the city, that’s why it is important for us to be part of this day of action again this year.

“The work of the city centre unit will continue, with similar action taking place across the city by our dedicated neighbourhood policing teams.”