Store violence condemned after arrest of shoplifting suspect

A suspect pictured taking bottles of alcohol from the shelves 

A shoplifting suspect was arrested by police after reportedly also assaulting two security guards in Nottingham.

Officers attended a city centre store after receiving reports staff had stopped someone who had tried to steal alcohol.

When police arrived at the shop in Albert Street on Monday (14 April), they were told the individual had just assaulted two security guards while being detained.

The 40-year-old man in question was arrested for those offences at that stage before later being identified as a suspect in two other shop thefts too.

Nearly £300 worth of alcohol – including bottles of champagne – were stolen from stores in Castle Marina and Beeston on 14 March and 8 April, respectively.

Based on this information, the individual was arrested on suspicion of three shop thefts, two counts of assault, and for causing criminal damage.

PC Paul Pugsley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Shoplifting is an issue that is sadly felt by all forces nationwide and which brings nothing but trouble to communities.

“This criminal practice is a blight on hard-working businesses, along with shop staff, who shouldn’t have to put up with it.

“These staff members also don’t deserve to be subjected to the type of violence and aggression that was unfortunately present during this incident.

“This type of behaviour will never be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police and will result in action being taken against anyone deemed to be involved.

“We’re pleased to have been able to arrest a suspect in connection with this incident, along with two separate shop thefts.”