Recent successes highlight commitment to tackling business crime in New Forest

Further efforts to tackle shoplifters and reduce thefts from businesses across the New Forest have resulted in arrests, charges and convictions, and there will be more to come.

Operations, including the recent Op Swift in New Milton, as well as continued patrols, and engagement with shop staff and the wider community, have been behind the latest successes.

And, just in case you’ve missed any of them, here’s a little round-up of some of the recent activity.

These cases highlight the hard work being undertaken, often behind the scenes, by officers from across the district.

On Thursday 16 November we brought you news of Ashley Joseph Brown, 40, of Dinham Road, New Milton.

The previous day, he was sentenced to ten weeks' imprisonment following two shoplifting incidents at Tesco, Caird Avenue, New Milton in September where he stole more than £250 worth of items

On Wednesday 15 November, we told you about a 44-year-old man from Dorset who had been sentenced for shoplifting. He received a £50 fine and was ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

He is also now subject to a 12-month community order, with a 6-month drug rehabilitation requirement, and 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

On Tuesday 14 November, we shared details of a 33-year-old man from Christchurch, Dorset, who had been sentenced for three shoplifting offences in the Lymington and Southampton areas.

He was ordered to pay a total of £796.96 in compensation, following three thefts from two stores in May and August.

Also on Tuesday 14 November, we let you know about a 34-year-old man from Blackfield.

He was fined and ordered to pay compensation after pleading guilty to shoplifting.

It followed an incident on Sunday 15 October, during which he entered the Sainsbury’s store on Hampton Lane, Blackfield and stole 12 packs of chicken.

On Thursday 2 November, we released news of a 32-year-old Totton man who had been arrested in Junction Road, Totton the previous evening.

He was detained on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and two shopliftings. He was subsequently charged with all four offences.

Reacting to the recent successes, New Forest Business Crime Lead, Linda Davies, said: “These results emphasise our commitment to tackling shoplifting across the New Forest, as we know the significant impact this crime has on businesses and the wider community.

Our response will create a hostile environment for those seeking to offend and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who continue to do so.

Please continue to report incidents to us via 101, or online via our website – our officers will be following up and will work with businesses to streamline how information, important to our enquiries, is provided.

You can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."