Ten people have been charged with theft and six shoplifting suspects identified in a week of action on retail crime.

Neighbourhood police officers across South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse have completed 426 hours of high visibility patrols, engaged with local businesses and held three community engagement events at major retail stores in Thame and Faringdon.

Police requested funding for the Shopwatch scheme in Thame to increase retail support and initiated the process to obtain Shopwatch radios for stores in Botley and Thame.

Retail crime can include shoplifting, theft, robbery and violence towards staff.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Byrne said: “We want to play our part in ensuring that shops and businesses in the South and Vale policing area can thrive, free from the fear of crime.

"This week of action is just one of many tactics we will continue to use.

“We already have strong relationships with our partner agencies and will continue to work collaboratively with local businesses and will be meeting with the local leads for the Chamber of Commerce to ensure the synchronised sharing of information leads to timely justice outcomes.

“We will continue to work to ensure retail staff go to their workplace safe if the knowledge they will be protected.”