December 18th 2024.
In the bustling town of Truro, Cornwall, a brave and determined storeowner has taken a stand against the rampant shoplifting that has plagued Britain. Martin Gaunt, a 62-year-old father and owner of multiple toy and gift stores in the area, has gone above and beyond by making over 50 citizen arrests in the last two years. His stores, including the popular Happy Piranha, have been a constant target for thieves, leaving Martin and other shopkeepers frustrated with the lack of action from the authorities.
According to data from the Office of National Statistics, there has been a shocking 28% increase in shoplifting cases in England and Wales since 2023, with a staggering 469,788 incidents reported in 2024. In Cornwall and Devon, the region where Martin's stores are located, there has been a 37% rise in shoplifting since 2023. This alarming trend has prompted Martin to take matters into his own hands and encourage other shop owners to do the same, as he believes the police have failed to address the issue effectively.
Despite Martin's efforts to raise awareness and seek change, his meetings with police commissioners and even the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, have not yielded any significant results. This is because, as Martin puts it, there is a lack of enforcement at a local level. He firmly believes that this sense of lawlessness only encourages more shoplifting and doubts that the situation will improve in the area anytime soon.
Instead of relying on the authorities, Martin and his sons, who also work at the stores, have taken on the responsibility of conducting citizen arrests. They are well-versed in Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which grants them the power to make arrests in certain circumstances. Despite facing armed thieves with weapons like knuckle dusters, knives, and hammers, Martin and his sons have fearlessly stopped shoplifters from leaving their stores and only use physical force when necessary.
In addition to their heroic efforts, Martin's stores are equipped with 12 CCTV cameras, with plans to install more, to catch criminals in the act. However, the cost of shoplifting has taken a toll on his business and other store owners in Truro, amounting to an estimated £1 million. Martin has noticed that many of the culprits are young people struggling with substance abuse, resorting to stealing to feed their addiction.
Martin recalls a particularly poignant incident when he caught a young girl stealing from his store. She was not afraid of the police, but rather the punishment she would face from her county lines drug dealer. This is just one example of how shoplifting has become a widespread issue that needs to be addressed as a community. Martin believes that civil arrests have reduced the crime rate by 90% in his stores and has made it clear to thieves that they will not get away with their actions.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has made it a priority to reduce theft and shoplifting in her next Police and Crime Plan. However, the spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police has stated that they have provided Martin with advice on how to protect his premises from shoplifting and have also attended his store when he has reported incidents.
They also have uniformed security patrols, known as the Rangers, which have been effective in deterring crime and responding to incidents quickly. Despite this, Martin continues to call for more community action and cooperation to make the high street a safe and thriving place once again. He believes that communication and trust between the police and shop owners are crucial in finding a solution to the shoplifting endemic and creating a safe environment for future generations to enjoy.
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