A Southampton man has been charged with assault and theft after allegedly attacking a Co-op worker during a shoplifting incident in Shirley.
Martyn Paul Goddard, 38, of Millbrook Road West, was arrested on Monday after police officers spotted suspicious activity outside the Co-op store at the junction of Howard Road. Upon entering the shop, officers witnessed an assault on a staff member in his 20s, who sustained minor facial injuries.
Police recovered chocolate and beauty products believed to have been stolen from other stores. The arrest came as part of Operation Gatewatch, an ongoing initiative targeting retail crime and anti-social behaviour in the Shirley area.
Launched in 2023, Operation Gatewatch deploys both uniformed and plain-clothes officers along Shirley High Street and surrounding areas. The operation forms part of a broader strategy to combat retail crime, with police working alongside local businesses to develop long-term solutions to protect shop staff and customers.
Goddard appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday and is scheduled to return for further proceedings on October 13th. He faces charges of assault and two counts of theft.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by retail workers, with Operation Gatewatch officers maintaining regular patrols to tackle what has become a persistent issue in the area. Police have emphasised their commitment to supporting local stores and addressing related anti-social behaviour through both enforcement and collaborative community initiatives.
The case represents one of several recent successes for Operation Gatewatch, as authorities continue their crackdown on retail crime in one of Southampton’s busiest shopping districts.
