Men jailed for shoplifting in Buxton

Since the launch of the Operation Cracker campaign on Monday, November 7, officers have arrested eight people for shoplifting offences - resulting in two offenders serving time in jail.

Kirk Barton, 33, of Queen's Road, Buxton, was arrested and charged in connection with theft from stores in Buxton. He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after pleading guilty at Chesterfield magistrates' court on Monday.

Brian Spencer, 43, of South Street, Buxton, was arrested and charged in connection with theft from three stores in Buxton. He appeared at the same court last month and was jailed for 28 weeks.

PC Mark Parkinson, from the Buxton Town Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "At this time of year we can often see a slight increase in the number of shop thefts reported - and Operation Cracker aims to challenge that.

"We have been carrying out patrols in the town over the last month to identity offenders and stop thieves in the act, along with offering crime prevention advice and reassurance to shoppers."

PC Parkinson added: "One month in and we have had some good results.

"We have had great support from the Buxton Retailers Against Crime (BRAC) group.

"The group members agreed on a list of 46 known shoplifters who are now banned from all BRAC stores for the next 12 months to help tackle the issue.

"We will be visiting the individuals to wish them a happy Christmas and advise them that if they are caught shoplifting we will come after them.

"Buxton is a safe and enjoyable place to shop, especially over the festive season, and this operation aims to keep it that way."