Police have arrested 11 individuals and secured 34 charges as part of Operation Bauble, a targeted initiative to combat shoplifting in Welwyn Hatfield during the festive season.
The operation, which began on 26 November 2024, has involved increased patrols in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres. Officers have been working to deter shoplifting, apprehend offenders, and reassure local businesses. The operation will continue through January.
Results So Far
As part of the initiative, several suspects have been identified and arrested, with two shoplifters already jailed. The operation has achieved the following:
- 11 arrests
- Five suspects remanded into custody
- 34 offences leading to charges
- 34 weeks of prison sentences handed down
- 24 weeks of suspended prison sentences issued
- Seven thefts prevented, as suspects were caught in-store.
Convictions
Two individuals have already been jailed as a result of Operation Bauble:
Daniel Millar, aged 38, of no fixed address:
Millar was arrested by plain-clothes officers at Boots in Hatfield after being spotted on CCTV. He was found to be wanted for breaching court bail. Millar received a 12-week prison sentence for theft, plus an additional six weeks for breaching his court order. He was also ordered to pay compensation to the store.
Robert Osborn, aged 50, of Stanborough Close, Welwyn Garden City: Osborn was arrested for shoplifting after being identified as responsible for eight thefts in Welwyn Garden City. He was also wanted for recall to prison. Osborn was sentenced to a total of 16 weeks in prison, equating to two weeks for each theft, and was ordered to pay compensation.
Police Statement
Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, commented:
“Shoplifting is a priority for us all year round, but we know it tends to increase over the festive period. This operation has been vital in deterring offences and ensuring a significant number of thieves are brought to justice.
“We’ve deployed both high-visibility and plain-clothes officers across town centres, leaving no stone unturned in tackling shoplifting.
“As part of the operation, we’ve also visited local shops and businesses to address concerns and provide crime prevention advice.
“I hope this sends a clear message to those working in retail that we take shoplifting very seriously and will continue doing everything we can to address it.”
Operation Bauble continues into January, with officers maintaining their proactive efforts to safeguard local businesses and tackle shoplifting.
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