Advice issued to Wiltshire stores as retail crime falls 11%
Extra police patrols came during Safer Business Action Week
The fight against retail crime has been stepped up by Wiltshire Police as they've visited hundreds of retailers to help them protect their businesses.
The Force says reported shoplifting offences are down 11% in the last 12 months - but it's felt the crime isn't reported as often as it should be.
In collaboration with partner agencies, neighbourhood policing teams across the county have spoken to 225 shops to provide advice on preventing crime and to deter offenders operating in the county.
Extra patrols were carried out on Wiltshire's high streets as part of Safer Business Action Week, a week of action led by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC).
They've also been encouraging stores to join a 'Shop Watch' scheme, a programme that allows retailers to share information in order to prevent crime happening.
From September 2023 - September 2024, Wiltshire Police received reports of just under 3,400 shoplifting instances, 11% lower than the year before.
Superintendent for Local Policing, Doug Downing, said: “Whilst the 11% decrease in reports of shoplifting offences to Wiltshire Police is positive, we recognise this crime is underreported.
"We encourage retailers to work with us by reporting all instances of shoplifting, no matter the value of the items. It is vital retail crimes are reported to Wiltshire Police so that all leads can be investigated and loss to businesses in our county can be prevented.”
Funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has provided more CCTV cameras in the county as well as a quartet of mobile CCTV units in Salisbury and anti-social behaviour wardens in a number of areas across Wiltshire.
Tackling retail crime is one of PCC Philip Wilkinson's top priorities in his latest Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029.
Mr Wilkinson said: “I have spoken to shop managers and small to medium business owners, who have made it clear to me that they want to something done about the criminals who are having a profound effect on their ability to survive in the current financial climate.
“It is also clear that people who work in retail should feel they can go into work without the fear of being assaulted or abused.
“I’m aware of situations in Wiltshire where this has happened, and I want anyone who works in the retail industry to know that my team is working with Wiltshire Police and our partners to make your working environment safer, and to make you feel safer.”