Malvern man sentenced for shoplifting offences in a success for new Facewatch scheme

Wesley Furber, aged 38, from Malvern, pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates Court to 20 offences committed between June and September this year in Malvern, Worcester and Upton.

This case was the first in Malvern where police and local retailers have worked together using the Facewatch scheme to both identify offenders and share information to prevent crime.

Facewatch is a community-led initiative that allows business to share information on possible troublemakers and low-level criminals discreetly and quickly. Users can share information instantly, forewarning other town centre colleagues, and the police, about potential causes for concern.

The system allows staff to upload photos and video footage of suspects onto the database, record crime reports and even write their own statements.

Images of Furber were posted on Facewatch, and other retailers in the group alerted to his activities, his methods and tactics and even the clothes he wore.

Stores that had not been aware of offences then checked their own CCTVs and found footage of Furber taking items from the shelves, concealing them in his backpack and leaving the store.

PC Paul Lambon of West Mercia Police said: "This is a good result. The overwhelming evidence did not leave the individual with any choice when he got to court but to plead guilty.

"Without a doubt, Facewatch and the support of the local retailers was the greatest factor in bringing this man before the court and achieving the result. If any retailer is in two minds as to the effectiveness of the system then they can see, from this case, just how good it is.

"I highly recommend retailers to sign up as soon as possible. Christmas is one of the busiest periods for thieves and using Facewatch should help both deter them and if not, help catch and convict them".

Anyone interested can contact PCSO Lisa Freeman at Malvern Police station via the 101 non-emergency number and extension 4393.