Hundreds of arrests made since launch of retail crime unit

In just over two years, the national intelligence unit known as Opal, set up as part of the partnership, has made 257 arrests for organised retail crime.

The partnership said it had seen a 73% reduction in offending by organised crime groups referred to the unit and led to more than 118 years’ worth of prison sentences.

The partnership also claimed 605 offenders have been identified and tens of thousands of pounds of stolen goods have been recovered since the unit was launched in May 2024.

Head of intelligence for Opal Stephanie Coombes said: “Opal discovers, develops and co-ordinates intelligence at a local, regional, national and international level, to provide a comprehensive understanding of threat, harm and risk posed by serious organised acquisitive (SOAC) crime by organised crime groups (OCGs).

“Two years ago, we launched the first national dedicated organised retail crime (ORC) intelligence capability within policing as part of the Pegasus Partnership, which encompassed a range of partners including law enforcement, industry, academia and government representatives.

“The team takes referrals from retailers of any size, whether they are part of the Pegasus Partnership or not, and will work in different ways to develop intelligence. This could be as simple as identifying an offender, linked offenders and/or vehicles through the Police National Database, looking at patterns of offending and modus operandi that are repeated and working with retailers to share information packs about prolific offenders.

“The team will then support police forces through an investigation, sharing intelligence, but also working with the Crown Prosecution Service and additional agencies as required.

“Of the OCGs we have identified and monitored through our work, we have seen a 73% reduction in offending throughout the last year, demonstrating a clear impact in disrupting these high-harm networks.”

Opal has received an extra £5m in funding through to March 2028.

Chief constable Amanda Blakeman, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for acquisitive crime, said: “I am grateful for the government’s investment in tackling retail crime. This significant funding is enabling us to build on the successes of the last two years, as well as grow the team to focus on disrupting those at the top of the OCG hierarchy, targeting the disposal of goods and the threat on supply chains.

“The work of Opal is crucial in providing support to police forces so they are not working in isolation and can better work with retailers to tackle those offenders who are operating across the country and causing the most harm.

“Partnership and collaboration are vital in our fight against retail crime, policing cannot do this alone and through the Pegasus Partnership we have built strong relationships and information sharing which enables us to target resources where they are needed most.”

Today, the government unveiled a £30m investment in a new high street crime squad aiming to crack down on drug gangs, child sexual exploitation, money laundering, immigration crime and ghost directors linked to shop fronts selling illegal cigarettes and illegal vapes.