North Wales Police’s chief constable arrested a man while shopping in M&S. Chief constable Amanda Blakeman was leaving M&S in Llandudno on November 15, 2024 when she saw a man, Michael Smith, 39, of Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon being detained by security.
She was then informed that Smith had stolen nearly £270 worth of clothing from the shop, all of which was later recovered from him. The chief constable promptly arrested Smith on suspicion of theft before officers arrived and took him to custody where he was charged with theft.
He appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 8 facing a charge of theft. He subsequently admitted the charge and was given a £200 fine.
CC Blakeman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for volume crime, said: “Retail crime has a significant impact on victims. It damages businesses, communities and impacts staff and customers who are present, which is why we are committed to doing all we can to reduce thefts and pursue offenders like Smith.
North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman
(Image: Richard Evans)
“Over the last year, we have made significant strides in our fight against retail crime, strengthening relationships with retailers, greatly improving information sharing and concentrating patrols in hotspot areas, which has had a positive impact. We continue to work hard on this progress, whilst also taking proactive steps to disrupt or negate repeat offending because of drug or alcohol addictions.”