Cambridge Police have secured more than 1,000 charges against offenders as part of a determined effort to combat retail crime, bike theft, and begging. This initiative has brought renewed focus to the serious impact retail crime has on local communities, retail staff, and security teams. The ongoing work of the police reflects a commitment to public safety and the well-being of those affected by theft and anti-social behaviour across the region.
The Spree Offending Team, based at Parkside Police Station in Cambridge, was established in September last year to target the area’s most persistent offenders. Since its inception, the team has made 168 arrests and achieved charges for 1,032 offences ranging from bike theft and criminal damage to possession of knives, burglary, theft from motor vehicles, and hundreds of shoplifting incidents. The team has also obtained Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) against 12 prolific offenders, including four in the past month, barring them from areas where they have repeatedly offended.
The individuals now banned include:
Daniel Robinson (39), of Histon Road, Cambridge, prohibited from entering Flannels in King Street, the BP Garage on Newmarket Road, and any Co-Op in Cambridgeshire for five years.
Scott Reynolds (37), of no fixed address, banned from all John Lewis and BP stores within the M11, A11, A505, and A14 boundaries for five years. He is also restricted from concealing items in any shop across Cambridgeshire.
Liam Basham** (30), of no fixed address, banned from every Co-Op in Cambridgeshire, along with Sainsbury’s and the BP Garage on Teversham Road, for two years.
Joshua Collinson-Prime (29), of East Road, Cambridge, prohibited from every Co-Op, Sainsbury’s, and BP store in Cambridgeshire and banned from concealing items in any shop.
Retail Crime: A Threat to Communities and Staff
Retail crime is far from a victimless act; its effects ripple throughout communities, placing an emotional and financial strain on retail staff and security personnel. Shoplifting, theft, and related crimes not only cause substantial financial losses but also create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear for staff, who often face abuse and threats from offenders. Security teams bear a heavy burden, with the constant risk of confrontations, while members of the community may feel unsafe in areas plagued by repeated criminal activity. Such offences erode public confidence and can impact the overall quality of life in affected neighbourhoods.
Police Dedication to Fighting Retail Crime
The Spree Offending Team’s efforts showcase Cambridge Police's commitment to tackling retail crime head-on. Speaking on the team’s work, Sergeant Dan Scott, who leads the team of five constables, said:
"We work daily to identify and track down persistent and prolific offenders responsible for large numbers of crimes across Cambridge and beyond. We then work alongside our partner agencies and other departments to try and prevent the individuals from further offending."
He added, “There can be a misconception that ‘lower-level’ crimes like theft and retail crime are less important, but we recognise the impact these offences have on victims, businesses, and staff, including financial loss, abuse, threats, and intimidation. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”
Detective Inspector Juliet Heald, who oversees the team, noted the transformative impact of the initiative on how the force responds to retail crime.
The Spree Offending Team have transformed our response to spree offenders, with a particular focus on retail crime. Their hard work is reflected in their impressive results and the sheer number of offenders that have been brought to justice over the last year."
Earlier this month, the force supported the National Business Crime Centre’s (NBCC) Safer Business Action Week (14-20 October), working in collaboration with retailers and community partners. This included joint patrols, proactive operations against known offenders, and crime prevention campaigns to deter criminal activity and foster a safer environment for the public.
The police’s proactive measures reflect a steadfast commitment to protecting Cambridge's retail sector and the community at large, reminding all that efforts to curb crime extend beyond immediate enforcement to the greater goal of restoring safety and confidence for businesses, staff, and residents alike.
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