Shoplifting and retail crimes will be treated like organised crime as per the new Retail Crime Action Plan unveiled by the National Police Chiefs Council.
The plan sets out how police should respond to and investigate thefts against convenience stores and other retail businesses, as well as advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue a case.
As part of the plan, a specialist new police team will be created to crack down on organised crime gangs that are responsible for the increase in shoplifting incidents across the country.
This news follows a meeting chaired by crime and policing minister Chris Philp attended by 13 of the largest UK retailers and senior police leaders.
Philp said: “I want a new zero-tolerance approach to tackling shoplifting. It is a blight on our high streets and communities and puts the livelihoods of traders at risk. I am determined to drive forward change.
“While it is encouraging to see a 29% increase in charges for shoplifting in the past year, the rise in offending is unacceptable and there is much more to do to stop it happening in the first place.
“That’s why we’re taking action and bringing together government, policing and business to commit to smarter, more joined-up working when it comes to retail crime, which will help to drive down criminal behaviour and rebuild public confidence in the police response when it does occur.”
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