A plan commissioned by the Government’s Policing Minister, developed in partnership with the Police to drive down commercial security already showing positive results, according to recently published figures.
The Retail Crime Action Plan, launched in October 2023, sets out policing commitments to tackling shoplifting and prioritising attendance where violence is involved, or a shoplifter is detained.
Within the remit of the plan, police forces nationwide were asked to review 50 shop theft crimes in their region from 1 December 2023. A total of 31 territorial police forces responded (out of 45), resulting in 1,514 crimes being reviewed.
According to findings published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the results showed that:
- Police attended 60 per cent of incidents where violence had been used.
- Of the forces sampled, 16 per cent reported 100 per cent attendance to this type of incident.
- Police attendance for a detained shoplifter was 76 per cent, with 21 per cent of forces again showing 100 per cent attendance.
The NPCC observed that a number of factors had determined whether or not officers attended an incident. This included if an offender had left the scene or been let go before police were called, how soon after the incident it was reported, whether a retailer supported a prosecution, or when officers were dealing with or diverted to an urgent incident elsewhere.
As part of the Plan, prolific or juvenile offenders are to be treated with elevated priority, said the NPCC. Forces have also committed to follow up on any evidence that could reasonably lead to catching a perpetrator, as well as to step up targeted hotspot patrols in badly affected areas.
In addition, the plan also sets out advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue each case. It makes clear that they should send CCTV camera footage of the whole incident and an image of the shoplifter via the digital evidence management system, as soon as possible after an offence has been committed. Providing evidence from any other security systems is also encouraged.
Major retailer sees improvement in police non-attendance rates
Meanwhile, in a report this February, the Co-op published figures stating that previously, the police had failed to attend nearly four-fifths (79 per cent) of incidents where a criminal had been detained. Since the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan, however, the non-attendance rate had improved to 38 per cent.
Chief Superintendent Alex Goss, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for retail crime, said: “Retail crime can have a significant impact on victims, which is why we are committed to doing all we can to reduce thefts and pursue offenders, especially those prolific and habitual offenders who cause misery within the community.
“The Retail Crime Action Plan sets out clear guidelines for the response to retail crime and it’s positive to see police forces have really embedded this in their operational work, a fact clearly shown in this sample of incidents.”
The Co-op’s Director of Campaign and Public Affairs, Paul Gerrard, said that he welcomed the launch of the Retail Crime Action Plan. “The safety and security of my colleagues and our communities is our number one priority. Our own experience shows early signs of advancement in police response rates since its introduction.
“Retail crime is neither petty nor victimless – instead it can be volatile and dangerous and fuels local illicit activities. However, where clear co-operation and partnerships exist with forces, it is shown to be a solvable issue,” he continued.
And he urged MPs to back the amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, making attacks on a shop worker a stand-alone offence. “I am increasingly confident that there is now the opportunity and appetite to collaborate further with police forces to build on the green shoots of improvement seen so far.”
Crime and Policing Minister, Chris Philp, said the Government shouldn’t be complacent and that there should be a zero-tolerance approach to shoplifting.
“I will continue working with the police and retailers to bear down on this crime – preventing it from happening and making sure perpetrators face justice when it does occur.”
He said that shoplifting would not be tolerated, which was why the Retail Crime Action Plan had been launched. “I am very encouraged by the progress already being made by police in delivering against their commitments,” he added.
In addition to the Retail Crime Action Plan, Project Pegasus is a partnership between retailers and policing, spearheaded by Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. Pegasus was set up to centralise intelligence on serious and organised crime groups involved in retail crime.
For further reading go to:
Policing Retail Crime Action Plan shows early impact (npcc.police.uk)
Justice Fire & Security have been installing high quality, cost effective Security and fire safety solutions for commercial properties throughout Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area for the past four decades. If you are unsure about your existing security and fire safety arrangements within your business premises, call our main switchboard on 0845 468 9077. In the first instance, we can arrange a free site survey to advise on the best course of action.
