Measures to tackle retail crime across Northamptonshire
The Police Fire and Crime Commissioner has held a roundtable event
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone has hosted a roundtable event to discuss retail crime in the county and the actions being taken to tackle it.
Representatives from independent and major chain retailers joined Northamptonshire Police Retail Crime Team, Northampton Business Improvement District and other business groups and the Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership. Attendees shared concerns and experiences of retail crime in Northamptonshire and discussed the progress that has been made in tackling the issue.
It's as we're hearing efforts to tackle the issue have meant more engagement with police, better communication with local retailers and has led to an 80% increase in crimes reported in the last 3 months.
Chief Inspector Wilson of Northants Police, who oversaw the recent launch of the force's Retail Crime team said:
“Our approach to retail crime has been a whole county effort working with retailers, neighbourhood teams and the Business Crime Partnership. Stepping up patrols along with increased reporting from retailers has significantly deterred criminals and our charge rate is now one of the highest in the county. We still have more to do, but what we are doing is working.”
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said that retail crime is one of her top priorities:
“Addressing retail crime and the impact on our community has been a top priority for me. I want staff, business owners and shoppers to feel safe and be safe.
“It was really useful to me to hear views today, which will help shape my Public Safety Plan and help me hold the Chief Constable to account for the way police are responding to this issue.”