Launceston Shop Stealing Taskforce issues 10 trespass notices

Since September, the Shop Stealing Task Force has issued 105 notices, recovered $15,000 in stolen property and charged 103 people with stealing offences. 

Trespass notices that ban people from stores were flagged at a forum held for police and business stakeholders before the Shop Stealing Taskforce was created. 

Taskforce member Senior Constable Sharee Smith thanked the business community for supporting and actively participating in the crackdown on shop stealing. 

“The taskforce has had a significant impact on offenders by encouraging businesses to report crime and by actively interdicting with those who steal,” she said.

“As a direct result, there was an increase in the number of stealing matters reported during the months the taskforce has been operating – which reflects that businesses had increased confidence in reporting matters to police.”

The close partnership between businesses and police has seen a 20 per cent increase in charges being laid for shop stealing matters. 

Venue, formally known as Wanted Streetwear, owner Luke Dawson said there’d be a positive and noticeable difference since the taskforce was created. 

“When we report something, the police seem to be able to follow up quickly,” Mr Dawson said. 

Many of Launceston’s retailers had daily issues with theft and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Dawson said the taskforce has reduced both issues, with a heightened police presence in the city, quicker response times and patrols with the drug dog Fang. 

“As retailers, we are really happy with the taskforce,” he said. 

“We would like to see it continue.”

Businesses are able to issue banning notices to offenders and Senior Constable Smith said they have been very proactive in doing so. 

“The banning notices send a clear message to those who choose to steal that businesses and police will remove the privilege to enter stores, and will prosecute people for trespass,” she said.

Retailers and police will meet about a long-term strategy after the taskforce ends in the new year, Mr Dawson said.