Unveiling Effective Strategies for Business and Retail Crime Prevention
In the face of escalating business and retail crime, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) has taken a proactive stance with the release of its comprehensive report, Tackling Business & Retail Crime In Focus report, : A Strategic Approach.” This pivotal document showcases a series of case studies highlighting the collaborative and evidence-based methods employed by Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to effectively combat retail crime throughout England and Wales, ensuring the protection of retailers and the public alike.
With retail crime and violence against staff reaching alarming levels, the report underscores the urgent need for a unified response to this growing threat. The British Retail Consortium’s latest survey reveals a staggering 50% surge in retail violence and abuse, translating to 1,300 incidents daily, alongside a significant rise in theft costs to retailers, now estimated at £1.8 billion. This situation demands a concerted effort from policing and business communities to address the surge in shop thefts, assaults, and broader criminal activities.
Police and Crime Commissioners are at the forefront of this battle, leveraging their unique position to spearhead initiatives that tackle business and retail crime head-on. By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, PCCs are identifying and addressing the specific challenges related to the reporting, prevention, and investigation of these crimes. Furthermore, PCCs play a crucial role in commissioning victim support services, accessible to all affected by retail crime, irrespective of whether the incident has been reported to the police.
The adoption of the Government’s Retail Crime Action Plan by all police forces marks a significant milestone in standardizing the response to shoplifting incidents. This plan serves as a benchmark for PCCs to ensure accountability and effectiveness in how retail crime is addressed and investigated within their jurisdictions.
Moreover, the report highlights the growing menace of organised criminal gangs (OCGs) targeting retailers. These groups operate across multiple retail sectors and police jurisdictions, necessitating a coordinated national response. In response, the APCC has initiated a pioneering national business/police partnership, Pegasus, aimed at mapping the extent of organised retail crime and devising strategies to counteract it.
The “Combating Business and Retail Crime: A Strategic Approach” report is a testament to the APCC’s commitment to safeguarding businesses and the public from the adverse impacts of retail crime. It serves as a valuable resource for law enforcement, policymakers, and the retail industry, offering insights into effective crime prevention strategies and fostering a safer business environment.