Shoplifting in Doncaster city centre has fallen by 25% in three months after a focused police operation targeting persistent offenders, according to South Yorkshire Police.
The Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) says its retail crime unit has been working since the start of May to curb theft from shops through a mix of high-visibility patrols, closer links with retailers and fast-tracking repeat offenders through the courts. In that period, 46 people have been convicted and courts have imposed more than 14 years of prison sentences in total.
Targeted action in the city centre
Officers have concentrated on the busiest parts of the city centre, gathering intelligence on those repeatedly stealing from stores and sharing information with local retailers. Police say the approach is designed to disrupt offending quickly, give shop workers more confidence to report incidents and ensure the courts have up-to-date evidence on the most prolific suspects.
Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Lisa Bird said: “We understand and recognise businesses' frustration when it comes to shoplifters and we're keen to continue working alongside them and other key partners to clamp down on retail crime.
“The connections we've forged with local and national retailers and the systems we've developed to tackle retail crime continue to get stronger and offenders being brought before the courts has correlated with a reduction in the number of recorded theft offences.”
Results at a glance
| Measure (since May) | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Convictions | 46 |
| Total prison sentences | More than 14 years |
| City centre shoplifting trend | 25% reduction |
| Active Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) | 21 |
Court orders ban repeat offenders from targeted stores
A key part of the crackdown has been the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), which allow courts to place conditions on individuals convicted of offences. In shop theft cases, those conditions can include banning someone from entering specific stores or chains they have persistently targeted. Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence and can lead to prison.
Among recent cases highlighted by the force:
- Katie Hudson received a three-year CBO prohibiting her from entering every One Stop store in South Yorkshire.
- Christopher Sanderson, 29 and of no fixed abode, was given a six-week prison sentence at Doncaster Magistrates' Court on 13 July and a three-year CBO banning him from the Tesco on Wentworth Road and Boots in the Frenchgate Centre until 13 July 2029.
Police say there are now 21 shoplifters in the city centre area subject to live CBOs, with conditions tailored to the locations they have repeatedly targeted. The force considers the orders an effective way to prevent further offending and protect frontline shop staff, who often face abuse and threats as well as theft.
What this means for Doncaster’s high street
Retail theft hits margins for independent traders and national chains alike, driving up security costs and, ultimately, prices at the till. A 25% fall in reported shop thefts offers some breathing space for businesses trading in the city centre, particularly those close to the Frenchgate Centre and along the main shopping streets where footfall – and opportunistic theft – tends to be highest.
The NPT says its blend of high-visibility patrols and behind-the-scenes information sharing with stores has helped to identify the small number of repeat offenders responsible for a disproportionate share of incidents. By pushing those cases through the courts and securing prison sentences and CBOs, officers believe the deterrent effect is beginning to show in the latest figures.
How the approach works day to day
- Officers and retailers exchange information on repeat offenders and hotspots.
- Dedicated city centre patrols provide a visible presence and respond swiftly to thefts.
- Evidence packages are built to support prosecution and applications for CBOs.
- Court outcomes are fed back to local businesses so they know who is subject to bans.
While police report a positive trend, they stress that enforcement is ongoing. The focus remains on the central shopping area where most incidents are reported, with continued liaison between officers and store managers to keep intelligence up to date.
The message from the force is clear: prolific shoplifters now face an escalating response – from intervention on the shop floor to court-ordered bans and custody – and retailers will continue to be supported in keeping their staff and stock safe.
