Two suspects appeared in court today (Thursday) and a third was remanded as part of an ongoing crackdown on retail crime in Harrogate and Ripon.
The police action follows several high-value shop thefts affecting multiple businesses in the area, including Co-op, Sainsbury’s, One Stop and Booths.
Officers have charged a 40-year-old man from Halifax with 15 counts of shop theft and two further theft offences, committed between 15th May and 19th June.
The thefts took place at Sainsbury’s, Co-op and One Stop stores in Harrogate, with items including steaks and laundry products.
The total value stolen is £1,280.40.
He was remanded in custody following his arrest yesterday and is due in court today.
A 29-year-old man from Limerick, has been charged with seven counts of theft from shop following incidents between 6th May and 6th June.
All seven offences targeted different Co-op branches across Harrogate, with stolen goods including alcohol and meat, totalling £306.55. He is also due to appear in court today.
And a 36-year-old man from Harrogate, has been charged and remanded to prison for nine counts of shop theft committed between 11th June and 16th June.
Eight of the offences occurred at Booths in Ripon, with one at Sainsbury’s in Ripon.
The total value stolen was £321.90, mainly involving alcohol spirits, and he is due to appear for sentencing in July.
Inspector Holly Nicholls of the Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence. It places a significant financial burden on local businesses, many of which are already under pressure, and creates a ripple effect throughout our communities.
“Shop theft impacts the livelihoods of business owners and their employees, increases prices for honest customers, and can often involve violence, intimidation, or anti-social behaviour that leaves shop workers feeling vulnerable in their place of work.
“Our neighbourhood policing teams are committed to identifying repeat offenders and working with our partners, including local retailers and local networks, to ensure swift and effective action is taken."
She added:
“This week’s court appearances show that we are listening to the concerns of local businesses and communities and that we will not tolerate those who repeatedly target our area.
“We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to shop theft, and we urge anyone affected, whether you’re a business owner, a staff member, or a member of the public, to report it.
“Your information helps us build stronger cases and take the action needed to protect our town and city centres.”
Anyone with information about shop theft or suspicious activity is encouraged to report it online, calling 101, anonymously through Crimestoppers, or by calling 0800 555 111.
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