Police patrols 'led to prolific shoplifter arrest'

An increased police presence in Devonport has led to the arrests of a "prolific" shoplifter and a person connected to 30 tyre-slashing incidents, the force has said.

In 2025, the Devonport neighbourhood police team has carried out more than 100 high-visibility foot patrols in the area.

The work led to the sentencing of a 31-year-old man to 26 weeks in prison for shoplifting, and the arrest of a suspect related to a spate of tyre slashings in Plymouth in December 2024.

Insp Paul Laity said: "It's positive that we have removed a prolific offender from the streets and arrested a suspect for a crime that had a widespread impact across the community."

Mr Laity said increased police visibility would continue to be a focus for neighbourhood officers.

"Although this doesn't solve the issues altogether, it's a step in the right direction to make sure the public feel safe," he said.

"We will continue to be robust on crime, pursuing and arresting individuals responsible for causing harm in our city to put them before the courts."

He added: "There has been some great work taking place. I hope people in the local area have felt the impact of our presence on the streets."

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