Staffordshire Police officers are reflecting on a series of community engagement activities carried out across the force as part of Operation ShopKind.

The operation, formerly known as Operation Blitz, which ran during the weekend of 11 to 13 February, was aimed at tackling violence against shop workers.

It saw neighbourhood officers attend retail premises across the region to offer support to business owners and staff as well as provide guidance on how best to protect themselves from violence, shoplifting and other associated criminality.

Officers from Staffordshire Moorlands neighbourhood policing team visited 40 businesses across three market towns in Biddulph, Leek and Cheadle as part of the operation.

Engagement events were also held at Ventura Retail Park in Tamworth, Burton Town Centre and Quinton Shopping Parade.

"The feedback has been very positive and we attribute a greater link between businesses, people and police staff to this operation" said PC Adam Tonks, of Staffordshire Moorlands NPT.

PCSOs also distributed specific crime prevention leaflets to businesses including barbers, florists, card shops, chemists and opticians.

PCSO Amber Allsopp, who patrolled community hotspots, said: "The events involved reassuring members of the public, retail assistants and security workers that we are there to support them and will do what we can to protect them.

"We have a fantastic partnership alongside security within various retailers and we continue to work in liaison to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff members."

Officers also encouraged the community to sign-up to the force's free Smart Alert service, where residents are given live updates on emerging crime trends, prevention advice and witness appeals by local NPT officers.

"The force is always looking at ways to improve the flow of information between authorities and the wider public and through these events we are able to drive this development," PCSO Allsopp added.

Inspector Laura Morrey, of Staffordshire Police, said: "We are continuing to work alongside the Partnership Against Business Crime in Staffordshire (PABCIS) and Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce in order to apprehend prolific shoplifters and thieves who damage local businesses with their offending.

"This operation provided increased visibility across the entire county and has further amalgamated a force wide crackdown on business crime - which has seen a reduction in reported thefts across hotspot areas in Staffordshire."

Staffordshire's Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, said: "Successful businesses are vital for thriving communities, attracting visitors to our high streets and, in turn, benefiting our region as a whole through increased investment and employment.

"For those local businesses which are victims of crime, however, the impact can be significant.

"These are far from victimless crimes, which is why tackling business crime and supporting victims is a key part of my new Police & Crime Plan."