Police in Andover have made two arrests in the opening days of Operation Scrooge – the annual campaign targeting shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Christmas.
On Monday (1 December), Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the start of Operation Scrooge, which will see dedicated foot patrols in Andover and Romsey town centres and local retail parks every day over the festive period and into January.
As part of those first patrols on Monday, officers from Andover’s Neighbourhood Policing Team arrested a 36-year-old woman in the town centre in connection with two public order investigations.
The woman, from Andover, was arrested on suspicion of two offences under the Public Order Act and two counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
Two of the offences relate to a public order incident at the Best Western Hotel in Micheldever Road, Andover, on Saturday 15 November. The other two relate to a public order incident outside Café Nero in the High Street on Thursday 20 November.
She was taken into custody and has since been released on police bail with conditions while enquiries continue.
On Tuesday (2 December), officers on patrol in Andover town centre made a second arrest as part of the operation.
A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop, following the reported theft of boxes of perfume from Boots in the Chantry Centre. He remained in police custody while officers carried out further enquiries.
Operation Scrooge will continue throughout December and into the New Year, with officers carrying out visible patrols, working closely with retailers and offering crime prevention advice to help keep Andover’s shopping areas safe and welcoming during the busy Christmas period.