Cockburn police officer in charge James Bradley and Acting Sergeant Craig Taylor.
Camera IconCockburn police officer in charge James Bradley and Acting Sergeant Craig Taylor. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d448774

Beat stamping out theft

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

Officer in charge James Bradley said operation Nobelium began four weeks ago and had produced early rewards.

“So far this has had very good results with a large number of people charged with stealing and other offences,” he said.

“One person was caught with $3000 worth of stock. We’ve had other people that have gone on stealing sprees of up to four different stores and others that have stolen $500 worth of groceries.”

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Senior Sergeant Bradley said the operation came off the back of feedback from local store owners.

Stores were being targeted and staff were unhappy with the response from police.

“In partnerships with store managers and the centre management – and some of these are large well-known businesses – I committed to work closely with them to address the problem,” Snr Sgt Bradley said.

“Feedback so far from store owners and management is very positive.

“The public will see a lot more high visible patrols at the shopping centre and police will be more accessible than ever before to the Gateway community.”

Centre manager Kate Grieve said Gateway supported the initiative.