Nine arrested in Preston city centre as police target shoplifters and ASB in day of action
A police crackdown on retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Preston city centre has led to nine arrests and multiple charges.
Officers joined forces with Preston City Council and other partner agencies on Wednesday as part of the Safer Streets Winter campaign - a seasonal initiative running until January aimed at keeping the city safe during the busy festive period.
Teams carried out a mix of plain-clothed and high-visibility patrols across the city centre, while a Mobile Police Station was set up on the Flag Market to offer crime prevention advice, gather concerns from the public and encourage people to sign up to the In the Know community messaging service.
Officers also took part in joint patrols with council anti-social behaviour staff.
The operation led to nine arrests for offences including shoplifting, possession of a bladed article and theft of a motor vehicle.
Several suspects have now been charged.
Those charged include:
- Gary Stock, 43, of Maudland Bank, Preston - theft from a shop
- Matthew Greenage, 23, of Tulketh Road, Preston - two counts of theft from a shop
- Daniel Newton, 39, of Crompton Street, Preston - theft from a shop
- Zane Scamp, 51, of Tulketh Road, Preston - theft from a shop
- Miguel Dipalma, 57, of Manchester Road, Preston - possession of a bladed item
Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Another man was issued with a community order for low-level shoplifting.
Sgt Tom Rettie, from Preston’s city centre policing team, said: “This Winter of Action is all about making the winter as bleak as possible for criminal by tackling retail theft, abuse of shop workers, organised criminality and anti-social behaviour.
“We carry out activities like this one every day to make sure that Preston is a safe and welcoming place and we will continue to do so in the run up to Christmas and beyond to ensure that everyone can enjoy our city safely.”