Retail trade association Bira has welcomed the centralised national intelligence team and action plan to tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more prolific offenders and keep retail workers safe. However, they warn that actions speak louder than words, and say they worry about the smaller shops becoming targets.
The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said they hoped to see further measures set out by the government and police in the Retail Action Crime to protect smaller retailers who may now become a target.
Policing, retailers and the Government came together on Monday, October 23 to set out further measures to tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more prolific offenders and keep retail workers safe.
The plan includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting instances involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence.
Police attendance will be assessed based on risk, and prolific or juvenile offenders will be treated with elevated priority.
Police have also reaffirmed their pledge to follow up on any evidence that could reasonably lead to catching a perpetrator. Forces will step up targeted hotspot patrols in badly affected areas.
The plan sets out advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue in any case, making clear they should send CCTV footage of the whole incident and an image of the shoplifter via the digital evidence management system as quickly as possible after an offence has been committed.
Where CCTV or other digital images are secured, police will run this through the Police National Database using facial recognition technology to further aid efforts to identify and prosecute offenders – particularly prolific or potentially dangerous individuals.
A specialist new police team is also being created to build a comprehensive intelligence picture of the organised crime gangs that fuel many shoplifting incidents across the country, to help target and dismantle them.
The initiative, dubbed Pegasus, is a business and policing partnership that will radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with policing, to better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders. This will include the development of a new information-sharing platform and training for retailers.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said they welcome the plan and highlighted the critical need for robust and immediate responses from police forces across the country which they had been campaigning for previously.
However, he said: "Actions will speak louder than words, particularly as we gear up for the busy holiday season which we call the Golden Quarter. Retailers are eager for shoppers to enjoy a safe and secure high street experience, and the strengthened partnership between retailers and law enforcement will undoubtedly bolster this objective.
"However, it's of critical importance that there is a maintained strong police presence on the high street, while people are out buying presents. The festive season represents a significant opportunity for larger retailers, but we are concerned that smaller retailers may become easy targets for criminals. It is imperative that robust measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all retailers, regardless of their size," he added.
The full report can be found here.
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain. With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, we relentlessly campaign on their behalf. Our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders, where we represent the interests of small and independent businesses.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders. From combatting the rising tide of retail crime to advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility, we aim to leave no stone unturned. Bira is a staunch advocate for fairer business rates and reducing the regulatory burden that can stifle small businesses' growth potential. Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.