Op Bauble – 11 arrested in shoplifting operation

Eleven people have been arrested and 34 charges have been secured as part of a police operation tackling shoplifting in Welwyn Hatfield over Christmas.

Operation Bauble has seen officers carry out increased patrols in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres in a bid to deter shoplifting, arrest offenders and reassure local businesses.

The operation began on 26 November 2024 and will continue throughout January.

Across the busy festive period, a number of suspects have been identified and arrested. Two shoplifters have now been jailed.

The results so far have included:

• 11 arrests
• Five suspects remanded into custody
• 34 offences have resulted in charges
• 34 weeks of prison sentences
• 24 weeks of suspended prison sentences
• Seven thefts prevented after suspects were caught in store

Those jailed are:

• Daniel Millar, aged 38, of no fixed abode. Millar was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting by plain clothes officers in Boots, Hatfield. Officers had previously spotted him on CCTV and were able to quickly identify him. After checks were conducted it was established that he was wanted for breach of court bail. Millar was sent to prison for 12 weeks for the thefts and six weeks for breaching his court order. He also had to pay compensation to the store.
• Robert Osborn, aged 50, of Stanborough Close, Welwyn garden City. Osborn was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting after having been identified as responsible for eight thefts in the Welwyn Garden City area. He was also wanted for recall to prison at the time of his arrest. Osborn was sentenced to a total of 16 weeks, amounting to two weeks for every theft. He also had to pay compensation.

Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Shoplifting is a priority for us all year round but we know it increases over the festive period. This is an important operation as it has helped to deter more offences and has seen a significant number of thieves face justice for their actions.

“We have been deploying both high-visibility and plain-clothes officers to the town centres and we are leaving no stone unturned in our bid to tackle shoplifting.

“Part of this work has included visiting local shops and businesses to listen to any concerns and talk through crime prevention advice.

“I hope this operation sends a clear message to those working in retail that we take shoplifting very seriously and we will do all we can to tackle it.”

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