Bev Laimbeer, ex-police officer and owner of Truffles in Lymington High Street, slams inaction over minor thefts

A FORMER police officer has hit out at the force’s lack of response after thieves targeted her Lymington sweet shop.

Despite CCTV footage of one offender filling a bag with chocolates and another suspect’s name being provided, Truffles of Lymington owner Bev Laimbeer was astonished when the case was closed without investigation.

This second such incident in her six years of running the High Street store left Bev and her three part-time staff feeling vulnerable.

Speaking to the A&T, she feared matters could escalate in the town if officers did not take action to stamp out less serious crimes.

“I don’t want my staff to be always looking over their shoulder and mentally questioning what a customer is doing and not being able to trust anyone,” Bev said.

Two men entered just before lunchtime on 31st March, with one talking to a staff member at the counter while the other remained by the front door.

Goods were found missing after the pair left and CCTV footage showed the second man stuffing up to six boxes of chocolates worth around £50 into a bag.

After an unsuccessful attempt to report the theft online, Bev rang 101 and was on hold for about half an hour before details were taken.

A crime reference number was given but, within 48 hours, she received a police email saying the matter would not be taken further.

A letter of complaint to the police standards authority then resulted in a response stating correct procedure was followed and no action would be taken.

Bev served with Hampshire Constabulary for six years, mostly as a PCSO in Hythe before becoming a police officer in Southampton. She left the force about 12 years ago.

“It makes this all the more galling. I know all about the cuts – there were cuts then,” she said.

“But if they don’t do anything about minor crimes – I call them gateway crimes – the offenders will carry on pushing the boundaries and see what they can get away with.”

Bev was frustrated by the lack of response to this and the previous theft, compared with a less serious anti-social behaviour incident at Truffles.

A different officer visited on four separate occasions before a 14-year-old was issued a warning.

“I know we’re not the only shop on the High Street that’s had issues,” Bev continued.

“Times are tough at the moment. It’s hard enough without dealing with this as well.

“How are local businesses supposed to survive when the message to criminals is ‘carry on, they aren’t important enough’?”

Responding to the criticism, Insp. Darren Ord sought to reassure traders police take shoplifting reports seriously.

He also urged them to continue reporting thefts, explaining this helped officers check for patterns and links so they can deploy resources.We understand how distressing shoplifting and thefts can be for victims – especially those who have been repeatedly targeted,” he said. “It impacts their business and their livelihoods are turned upside down.

Insp. Ord said: “On this particular occasion, despite having relevant CCTV footage and a potentially named suspect, this investigation has been filed, pending any further information coming to light.”

“We appreciate that this will be frustrating news for the victim of this incident – however, we do not underestimate the impact that such crimes can have on the victim.”

He added: “Whilst on this occasion the investigation has been closed, it does not mean that it is not being looked at in terms of the wider picture in the local community.”