Retail crime strategy launched across the Thames Valley
The plan intends to see a crackdown on shoplifters and violence against shop workers
Last updated 22nd Jan 2024
A new retail crime strategy for the Thames Valley has been launched in Reading.
Developed jointly with retailers, business groups and Thames Valley Police, the strategy sets out tangible actions to tackle shoplifting, retail crime and violence towards shop workers.
The strategy - which has been put together by Thames Valley Police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber - aims to support businesses and create a hostile environment for those who commit crimes in the local economy by focusing on 6 key pillars – Intelligence, Enforcement, Partnership, Prevention, Justice and Reassurance.
TVPCC Matthew Barber said:
“A core aim of the strategy is to enhance the collaboration between businesses and the police to better tackle retail crime in addition to the policing response. To help facilitate this my office will soon be providing access to Disc – an online information-sharing and reporting platform which allows retailers to report and access information about crime such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour (ASB). The system, which can be accessed as an app, also makes reporting to the police faster and more efficient as users can submit a crime report directly through the platform, removing the need to call 101."
“I hope these measures will deliver a more visible, targeted and robust response to retail crime, increase the security and confidence of local businesses and help make high streets and retail spaces across the Thames Valley safer for us all.”
Matthew has been engaging with local, regional and national retailers and business groups for several months to better understand the challenges they face in relation to retail crime and today also marks the creation of the Thames Valley Strategic Retail Crime Forum which will build upon that engagement and strengthen the partnership between the police and businesses in tackling retail crime.
James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), said:
“We are delighted to see the Police & Crime Commissioner prioritising retail crime and making it clear that shop theft and violence against shop workers will not be tolerated.
“Partnership working and information sharing are the keys to making this strategy work, and we want all retailers to engage with the police, report all crime and work together to identify and apprehend the prolific repeat offenders who blight communities.”
Nicki Juniper, Head of Security and Shrinkage at John Lewis Partnership, said:
“We’re really pleased to see this important progress. Retail crime is not victimless, it has an emotional and financial impact on retail workers and customers. Whilst there is no single solution for tackling retail crime, we look forward to working collaboratively with Thames Valley Police, and others in the sector, to keep our Partners and customers safe.”