A chance traffic stop by officers in Waterloo yesterday (Monday 13 January) led them to find 10 bottles of whiskey stolen from a shop in Formby minutes earlier.
The officers had spotted the silver Ford Mondeo with three people inside on Crosby Road South, heading towards Rimrose Road, and indicated for it to stop at around 9pm.
On searching the vehicle 10 bottles of high value whiskey were found hidden in the back (see image) and enquiries established they had been reported stolen from Waitrose in Formby at 8.50pm..
A 43-year-old man of no fixed address, a 42-year-old man of no fixed address and a 46-year-old man from Bootle were arrested on suspicion of theft. They have been taken into custody to be interviewed.
Inspector Bernie McHugh said: “The vigilance of the officers who conducted this stop check led to the arrest of suspects just moments after the theft of whiskey from a supermarket.
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime – it has a real impact on people who live and work in our communities, and anyone who thinks they are entitled to take things that others work hard to pay for should think again.
“We direct resources and officers to those areas where businesses and the public tell us there are issues, to help prevent crime and reassure shop workers and customers.”
If you have any information on business crime then please DM us on X @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.