Numerous arrests in Rochdale retail crime crackdown

The police are determined to address the root causes and consequences of retail crime

Police officers in Rochdale North Neighbourhood have taken decisive action in recent weeks to tackle prolific shoplifting offenders in the town centre and surrounding areas. Their efforts have led to a series of arrests and charges.

Key Arrests

30 December 2024: PC Marvell, while conducting retail crime patrols, apprehended a man fleeing Dunelm after committing theft. A 40-year-old male from Oldham was charged with two shoplifting offences and remanded in custody to appear in court the following day.

2 January 2025: PC Marvell detained a 38-year-old male from Rochdale at Forest Bank Prison for multiple offences. The individual was charged with three shoplifting offences and remanded to court.

3 January 2025: PC Ali arrested a 30-year-old male from Rochdale after he was spotted by PCSOs Sohail and Mahboob in the Spotland area. The man was charged with three breaches of a criminal behaviour order, one count of common assault after allegedly pushing a shop worker to the floor, and two shoplifting offences. He was remanded in custody to appear in court.

11 January 2025: PC Marvell arrested a 27-year-old male from Rochdale who was wanted for various offences in both Rochdale and Oldham. The man was charged with one assault, two breaches of a criminal behaviour order, and four shoplifting offences. He was also remanded in custody to appear in court.

Retail crime is far from victimless, according to police. It raises prices for law-abiding customers, often funds organised crime through proceeds spent on drugs, and exposes shop staff to threats and intimidation, creating an unsafe workplace environment.

“There is sometimes a misconception that retail crime isn’t taken seriously by the police, but this is certainly not the case in Rochdale,” said Sgt Walsh from Rochdale North Neighbourhood. “If we can identify offenders, your local neighbourhood officers will take positive action. This is nearly always with arrests, and we will look to charge and remand these offenders to court at the earliest opportunity.”

Most prolific offenders in Rochdale now have criminal behaviour orders, which often include exclusion zones to prevent further offences. These measures, combined with neighbourhood policing efforts, aim to reduce shoplifting incidents and protect local businesses.

The police are determined to address the root causes and consequences of retail crime, ensuring that offenders face justice and that shop workers and customers feel safe in their community.