West Midlands Police have arrested a 40-year-old woman following the theft of beauty products valued at approximately £1,500 from the Selfridges store in Birmingham, alongside clothing items taken from Next.
Busy Festive Period Sees Multiple Arrests
The woman was one of half a dozen individuals detained for theft offences in the city centre. Among those apprehended were a man wanted for failing to appear in court and another who was wanted on recall to prison.
This police action comes as Birmingham prepares for one of its busiest Christmas shopping weekends, with the city bustling due to the Frankfurt Christmas Market and recent Black Friday sales.
Plain Clothes and High-Visibility Patrols Deployed
To protect the public and local businesses, police are stepping up their presence. Inspector Scott Taylor from the city centre neighbourhood team confirmed that plain clothes officers will be working alongside high-visibility patrols.
"Christmas is always a busy time of year for our team," Inspector Taylor stated. "We know this is a time when shop theft can increase, which is why we’re working harder than ever to keep the city safe for everyone."
He emphasised the force's commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone visiting Birmingham to shop, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones.
Region-Wide Crackdown on Retail Crime
The arrest forms part of a wider crackdown on retail crime across the West Midlands. Police reported that arrests for shop theft offences across the region have risen by over 60% in the last two years.
This significant increase is attributed to improvements in how the force responds to reports and works in partnership with businesses.
