A staff member was assaulted with a gin bottle while trying to stop a theft at a sports shop in Gwent, raising concerns about safety.
Cwmbran: A staff member at JD Sports faced a scary moment when a thief attacked them with a gin bottle during a shoplifting attempt. Jac Hart, the supervisor, shared this shocking news with the Argus.
He explained that the store has been on high alert, especially with the holiday season bringing in more shoppers—and unfortunately, more thieves. Gwent police are stepping up their efforts with ‘Operation Tinsel’ to tackle this issue.
This operation includes a stronger police presence, facial recognition technology on CCTV, and teamwork with local stores and security. Staff members at JD Sports are equipped with radios to report any suspicious activity right away.
Sometimes, they even chase after the thieves if they manage to escape. But Mr. Hart emphasized that safety comes first. If they feel threatened, they’re advised to back off and let security handle it.
After an incident, they always report it, sharing details about the thief with the police to help prevent future thefts. A recent crackdown led to a 52-year-old man being charged with multiple thefts in the area.
Mr. Hart mentioned some odd thefts, like people taking just one shoe from a display. The stolen items are usually high-end, like North Face jackets, but sometimes it’s just a pair of socks.
After a theft, the team reviews the CCTV footage to track the thief’s movements and check their stock. Gwent police are working closely with local security, utilizing 202 CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition to catch repeat offenders.
According to Neighbourhood Inspector Lee Stachow, shoplifting tends to spike during this time of year, making these efforts even more crucial.