Market Deeping trader thanks public for help identifying shoplifter

Alison Ireland, who runs Cloudnine, in High Street, Market Deeping, called police after a woman stole several items during a visit to the store on Tuesday afternoon.

She also posted CCTV footage on social media sites and was delighted by the response from followers keen to offer their support and help find the culprit.

Two regular customers who visited the shop after the theft realised Alison was upset and shaken and bought her a bouquet of flowers.

Alison said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by support from the community which helped get the situation resolved so quickly.

“The police are often criticised for not responding quickly enough to calls for assistance, but a PCSO was here soon after I reported the incident and has been back several times since then as things have moved on.

“When I posted CCTV footage on social media people were very quick to help circulate it and also to offer private messages of support.

“What happened was unpleasant, but it really has highlighted the strong sense of community here in the Deepings. I’d like to thank everyone who helped.”

Lincolnshire Police said the stolen goods had a combined value of around £90.

Thanks to the CCTV footage, and the public’s help, officers were are able to identify the woman and the matter has now been resolved.

The woman, who is 54, returned the stolen items and was given a fixed penalty notice for shoplifiting

Cloudnine, which began trading in Market Deeping around five years ago, is described as a “shabby chic shop” which sells gifts for home, friends and family and unusual ranges you will not find in big chain stores.