Proactive vehicle stop by neighbourhood policing officers identified shoplifter in possession of drugs
The neighbourhood policing team proactively stopped a vehicle in Bournemouth and detained a man responsible for shoplifting and possessing class A drugs.
David Crofts, 35 and of no fixed abode, was jailed at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 3 March 2025 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A, handling stolen goods and theft by shoplifting.
At around 9.25pm of Saturday 24 November 2024, Crofts entered the One Stop store in Southbourne Grove with another man and stole several crates of beer. Both men returned to the store two minutes later to repeat the same act, as captured on CCTV.
Then, on Saturday 7 December 2024 officers of the Bournemouth Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) in an unmarked police car stopped a vehicle in Southcote Road. Crofts – an occupant of the vehicle – was detained and searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and found to be in possession of several wraps of cocaine, as well as measuring scales, cash and a mobile phone which once downloaded, provided evidence of the defendant arranging and facilitating the sale of illegal drugs. Crofts was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.
Officers also searched the vehicle where they found several bottles of alcohol with security tags still present and Crofts was further arrested for handling stolen goods.
Following enquiries, Crofts was subsequently charged for these offences, including shoplifting. He was jailed for 37 months.
Police Sergeant Ashley White, of Bournemouth police, said: “We fully recognise the unfavourable impact Croft’s offending has had not only the local businesses he stole items from, but also his harmful involvement in the dealing of illegal drugs.
“Through our investigation, we were able to bring Crofts before the courts to be held fully accountable for his actions.
“I would like to reassure the public that we will continue to relentlessly pursue and disrupt the operations of those who supply illegal drugs on the streets of Dorset.”
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