Six people were arrested as police carried out a plain-clothes operation in Preston city centre on Good Friday.

Eight officers from Lancashire Constabulary carried on the operation with a specific focus on shoplifting at the most affected businesses.

In addition to the arrests on Friday (March 28), 11 people were stopped and searched with two given a community resolution, 10 businesses were provided with reassurance visits and one person has been charged.

Read more: Smashed Burger on the move in Preston city centre

Jaequarn Silcott, 19, of Oxford Street, Preston is charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. 

The action was taken under the police’s Operation Vulture strategy. Operation Vulture is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling shoplifting across the county. 

Inspector Dave Byrne from Preston Neighborhood Policing team said: “This was a really successful operation with some great results. 

“We supported some of the highest-affected stores in Preston City Centre, and we will continue this work to stamp-out shoplifting and hold the offenders to account. 

“The message is really clear: shoplifting will not be tolerated in Preston and we will continue our work to tackle this sort of criminality. You never know when you will be in the presence of a plain-clothed police officer.” 

To report a crime to police, you can call 101 or report online at . Always call 999 in an emergency. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

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