A POLICE operation to increase patrols in King s Lynn town centre around the busy Mart period has seen a number of prolific shoplifters arrested. Police officers and PCSO numbers were boosted during February and early March to meet the increased number of

A POLICE operation to increase patrols in King's Lynn town centre around the busy Mart period has seen a number of prolific shoplifters arrested.

Police officers and PCSO numbers were boosted during February and early March to meet the increased number of visitors to the town during the annual fair on Tuesday Market Place.

While crime levels across the board remained at low levels throughout the event, members of the Lynn North Safer Neighbourhood team did make a number of significant arrests for shoplifting in town centre stores.

Two prolific shoplifters were arrested in one High Street store, believed to be responsible for regular thefts from shops in the town. Two teenage girls were also arrested on suspicion of theft in one clothes store where police officers were able to recover �700 worth of stolen goods.

On Saturday, two persistent thieves were arrested for shoplifting in the town centre.

The SNT continues to work closely with the council, CCTV and retailers in King's Lynn to disrupt and identify criminals attempting to operate.

Town centre Sgt Trevor Smith said: "This operation followed our earlier, successful operation during the Christmas and New Year period to combat the historic rise in crime during particularly busy periods.

"The Mart was well attended but problem-free, other than some minor anti-social behaviour issues with youths.

"Our work to target shoplifters in the town is on-going and information-sharing with retailers and CCTV operators is having an impact. They have no hiding place and theft in the town is falling as a result."

The Lynn North Team continues to focus on its local priorities of tackling street drinkers in the town and anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance in George Street.

Hillington Square residents have told the team they have noticed an improvement in relation to groups of street drinkers. The team continues its work in this area to help lead willing individuals away from their current lifestyle and take enforcement action against those who persist.

More recently, the team has responded to complaints by local residents of anti-social behaviour, graffiti and nuisance vehicle use in Austin Street and the surrounding area.

The team has arranged with the borough council to have the graffiti removed and has, with partner agencies, conducted a visual audit of the area to identify improvements that could be made to alleviate the problems. This work is on-going. Any residents with concerns around this issue can contact PCSO Nic Bull to discuss.

A street briefing is due to be held by members of the team at the junction of Hillington Square/Valingers Road play area between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Friday March 13th. Local residents from the town centre and North Lynn are encouraged to meet members of their local policing team and raise any issues they feel the team or partner agencies could help resolve.

To contact a member of the team call 0845 456 4567 or e-mail sntnorthlynntowncentre@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or visit their page at www.safernorfolk.co.uk