More than 50 arrests during Welwyn Hatfield shoplifting operation
Undercover patrols were part of efforts to tackle retail crime
An operation in Welwyn Hatfield aiming to tackle shoplifting and related crimes has led to more than 50 arrests so far.
Operation Hornet began at the start of December to coincide with the busy festive shopping season and is set to run until the end of January. The initiative involves increased patrols, including undercover officers, targeting shoplifting, reassuring businesses, and addressing other criminal activities.
Speaking about the operation, Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Amy Sheldon said: “I hope this news is reassuring to residents and the local business community. Shoplifting and retail crime has far-reaching consequences, destroying businesses and making things difficult for the innocent shop staff who are trying to go about their normal working day.
“Shoplifting can often be linked to other crime, so operations to tackle it are vital to keeping our communities safe. Where we identify shoplifters who we believe are vulnerable, they are signposted to support services so that we can get them help.
“There’s still two more weeks left of our operation and we look forward to sharing the final results.”
As of 15th January, Operation Hornet has resulted in:
38 shoplifting arrests
13 further arrests, including drug-related offences
84 charges
Two Community Protection Notices
Eight people remanded to court
Seven Community Protection Warnings
Additional actions include 10 Community Resolutions, 29 stop searches, and two Acceptable Behaviour Contracts issued during the operation.
The initiative forms part of Hertfordshire’s broader Winter of Action programme, which succeeds the Safer Town Centre campaign from last summer. This wider programme has seen an increased police presence in retail areas and town centres throughout December and into the new year, aiming to target crime, anti-social behaviour, and violence against women and girls.