Two in custody after shoplifting reports

Two people are currently in custody following a report of shoplifting in Salisbury.

Police were initially alerted to the incident at approximately 4.30 pm yesterday (12/12) – CCTV operators spotted a man and woman make off from Boots without paying for items. The pair left the scene in an Audi A3.

Officers attended and located the vehicle in Castle Street outside Tesco – a search was conducted, and suspected stolen items were located inside the vehicle, including beauty products and clothing. As well as this, officers located suspected class A and B drugs and a baseball bat.

• A man in his 30s from Exmouth was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, theft, no insurance, and possession of a class A drug.
• A woman in her 50s from Warmley, South Gloucestershire, was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a class B drug.

Both remain in custody in Melksham for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.

Duty Insp Gareth Edwards said: “This was excellent work by Citywatch volunteers who initially alerted us to suspected shoplifting in the city centre. Officers attended the scene swiftly and made two arrests as well as seized a number of suspected stolen items.

“We continue to work closely with CCTV operators in our towns and city centres during the festive period when these areas are especially busy, so that we can target opportunist thieves as well as those more organised criminals who visit our shops with the sole purpose of committing crime. This behaviour will not be tolerated and you will be caught.

“If you suspect shoplifting in progress when out and about in our shops over the festive period, please report your concerns immediately.”

Call 101, or if a crime is in progress, call 999.