Crewe Beat Team made a number of arrests during a week-long operation, targeting retail thefts and prolific offenders in the town.

They arrested eight offenders and detected 18 crimes of shoplifting and theft of bicycles, with three now behind bars and a further five currently going through the court process.

The team targeted known offenders and worked with local businesses to identify suspects.

Crewe Beat Team detected 18 crimes of shoplifting and theft of bicycles in a week-long operation (Ryan Parker).

They provided high visibility patrols around retail premises, particularly the retail parks and town centres, which led to the quick arrest of offenders suspected of committing crime as it was happening.

The team also proactively targeted those wanted for theft offences at their addresses in and around Crewe making it clear retail crime is firmly in our sights.

Damien Wisedale, 43, from Crewe was charged with three shopliftings and sentenced to four weeks prison.

Christopher Davies, 39, from Crewe was charged with three shopliftings and remanded in prison until sentencing.

Five men aged between 36 and 48 and a woman aged 38 were also charged with shoplifting offences and are currently going through the court process.

Three people are now behind bars, with a further five currently going through the court process (Cheshire Police).

Insp Dan Welch said: "We are always out there tackling crime and putting offenders behind bars, but in the run up to Christmas it's a busy time both for shoppers and criminals.

"Being a visible presence at this time of year hopefully makes thieves think twice and reassures businesses and shoppers.

"We will be continuing to provide high visibility during the festive period around the retail premises and working with our partners to disrupt criminality, as well as preventing further crime with the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders."

READ MORE: Deliver Christmas letters to Santa's Post Box at popular Crewe pub until Sunday.

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