TWO brothers from Cirencester have been charged over multiple thefts from stores in a shoplifting crackdown.
The brothers were in custody on the afternoon of Friday, September 18 after being arrested on suspicion of multiple shoplifting offences and a breach of a criminal behaviour order over the previous couple of days.
Both are due to appear in court on November 5 and have strict bail conditions, according to the Cotswolds neighbourhood policing team.
A spokesperson for the team said: “This was another good result between ourselves and the Cirencester Safe scheme, which is designed to tackle alleged shoplifting quickly and with good information-sharing.
“If you’re responsible for a retail premises in Cirencester and feel you would benefit from joining up to the scheme, please pop along to Cirencester Police Station reception and we will be able to provide you with the relevant details.”
In the wider Cotswolds Community Safety Partnership area, shoplifting offences went up by more than 60 per cent between March 2025 and March 2026, from 224 crimes for the year ending March last year to 366 crimes for the year ending March this year.
The Standard spoke to several shop workers in Cirencester on Monday, September 14 who revealed they had been targeted by thieves.
Work had been done to try to reduce thefts, and communication between different businesses to highlight shoplifting was mentioned.
However, the need for police on the ground to deter thieves was also discussed.
Cirencester Safe, a not-for-profit Business Crime Reduction Partnership, allows members to communicate with the police, other members and police CCTV via a Radio Management System.
All members have access to a free radio handset supplied by Cirencester Safe, with the radio system being the only system with direct contact with Cirencester, Stroud, Gloucester and Tewkesbury police or CCTV.
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A password-protected website offers intelligence and up-to-date images of offenders.
Members can also give yellow cards to offenders involved in crime, disorder or antisocial behaviour in or near their premises, with two yellow cards leading to exclusion from all members’ premises in most cases.
Cirencester Town Council previously said ‘some excellent results’ had occurred via the scheme and was encouraging retailers to join.
The council pays a yearly subscription to the initiative from its Community Services budget, providing a Storenet radio directly linked to the local police station.
This connects with other shops in Cirencester which are part of the scheme.
“This is an important tool in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour and sends out a clear message to the community that we are doing all we can to keep our town centre safe,” a council spokesperson said.
Inspector Philippa Moore from the Cirencester neighbourhood policing team previously said: “A lot of positive action has taken place across the Cotswolds over recent months to target those who shoplift.
“This has included plain-clothed patrols and proactive operations at known shoplifting hotspots.
“Other positive action has included working with partner agencies to relaunch the Cirencester Safe scheme.
“This is an important tool in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour which allows members to efficiently communicate with each other and share information about offending that is taking place.
“My team are continuing to arrest prolific offenders and secure criminal behaviour orders which prevent shoplifters from entering businesses across the town.
“I’m pleased to say we’ve received positive feedback about our engagement with those in the retail sector improving confidence in policing.”
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