Totnes police officer spots shoplifter while off-duty

A off-duty police officer from Totnes spotted a man shoplifting and arrested him, while shopping with his family. 

In December 2023, off-duty police officer James Bolton was shopping with his family in a local supermarket. While near the checkouts, he witnessed a well-known repeat offender quickly exiting the store with a trolley full of unpaid goods.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Without hesitation, James followed the man outside to challenge him about the goods he had taken. After questioning the man and speaking to colleagues in the supermarket, it was confirmed that the items had not been paid for. He was then arrested for shoplifting.

"A police unit arrived at the location shortly after and transported the man to custody. He was later questioned by officers in Totnes who conducted the investigation. The offender was charged and remanded to Plymouth Magistrates court. He pled guilty and received a one-year community order to take part in community service and abide by a curfew, and is also required to take part in a drug rehabilitation order."

James Bolton has worked for Devon and Cornwall Police for over 25 years and is a Neighbourhood Beat Manager in the Totnes area. He said: “Expect the unexpected in policing! It started out as a normal day off with my family and ended up with me getting a prolific offender off the street.

"I’m glad I was there at the right place right time to be able to stop the shoplifter making off with the trolley of goods. I’d also like to say thank you the student police officers who were part of the team who responded to my call for assistance, it was a great team effort.”

Sector Inspector Ben Shardlow, who manages the neighbourhood policing teams in South Hams said: “The quick action and bravery of officer James Bolton meant we were able to stop a prolific offender from shoplifting.

"The actions of the offender were completely unacceptable and it was clear that his intent that day was to steal as many high value items he could fit into his trolley. The actions of PC Bolton are an example of how policing is a commitment on, or off duty, and I commend his efforts and commitment to the residents and businesses of Totnes.

"We will not tolerate people who believe they can steal from our local businesses. Shoplifting has a huge impact on the livelihoods of shopkeepers and impacts their staff and the wider community.

"I’d to encourage the public, businesses retailers to please continue reporting crimes through our online reporting tool available on our website and call 999 if it is an emergency or a crime is currently taking place.

"Submitting crime reports also helps us to develop a clear map of the crimes that are happening in our community and enables us to build a suitable approach to target offenders and the areas they operate.”

If you are aware of anyone actively involved in shoplifting, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.