Police in Bolton continue to crack down on shoplifting in the borough with five arrests made today, Saturday.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they have five people in custody on suspicion of shoplifting across Bolton.

A 25 year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of multiple thefts from numerous stores across Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park.

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A 42 year-old woman and a 50 year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting after reports of a theft from the Co-op store on Highfield Road in Farnworth.

A 57 year-old man has been accused of shoplifting after reports of a theft from Sainsburys in Trinity Retail Park.

And a 38 year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting after reports of a theft from Savers in Bolton town centre.

All five suspects remain in custody for questioning.

It comes after GMP vowed to crack down on shoplifting earlier this year, sharing that "Bolton’s shoplifting team started 2024 exactly the way it means to go on – by securing multiple charges for suspected shoplifters across the town".

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The team is made up of new recruits being taught by seasoned officers and are deployed around the town for five weeks at a time. 

Sergeant Jess Prudence said: “Our shoplifting team has been able to help stores by working closely with them to lock-up repeat offenders, provide prevention advice, and assist those in need by giving them the appropriate signposting.

“Shoplifting is a problem that we are committed to tackling and I am sure that the team will continue to deliver throughout 2024.

"If any stores in the Bolton area would like to get in touch with us, I would urge them to do so, as we can assist them in all things security.

“We post regular updates of our results on our social media pages as well as Bee In The Loop – all Bolton residents should check us out for the latest news and actions.”