The Rangers welcomed Emily (Ranger 3) to the team in November. She will be working on a Saturday every week. Emily has settled into the team well and is doing a great job. She has introduced herself to a number of the businesses and will continue to do so throughout December.
The number of calls that the Rangers have received may have decreased this month however, this is down to their hard work with the Police and the businesses. This collaboration helps to make Eastleigh a safer place to work and visit. There have been some great results in recent weeks and months which have seen some repeat offenders brought to justice.
Firstly the Rangers have been working closely with Tesco in relation to a repeat shoplifter who they were unable to identify. On the day the Police came in to look at some CCTV footage, the unknown shoplifter struck again but this time he did not get away. He was identified and arrested.
Some shoplifters who were repeat offenders at Co-Op and Tesco have also been arrested and charged in relation to shoplifting and Anti Social Behaviour. The Rangers, the businesses and the Police are working hard to help reduce shoplifting and Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) and it is working. ASB is down significantly in Eastleigh Town Centre.
A shoplifter who stole £300.00 worth of products from Cash Converters, £441.00 worth of alcohol from Tesco as well as other offences in Southampton appeared in front of magistrates and has been charged. The Rangers assisted in driving the reporting of the offences which then led to the offender being charged.
Occasionally the Rangers get to have a little fun in between the serious stuff and November was no exception. They had a very important call from Santa and were asked to set up a post box in The Swan Centre so that the children of Eastleigh can post those all important letters. They also featured in the CRY Charity Shop Christmas window display which won first prize in the Festive Window Decorating Competition judged by The Mayor of Eastleigh.
Overall November 2023 has been a great success and we hope this continues into December. The festive period can be hard work for all the retailers, working longer hours and dealing with a lot more customers. The Rangers will be on hand to assist if required but we would ask that when doing your Christmas Shopping, you Shop Kind.
