The government has launched a new Retail Crime Action Plan to combat shoplifting today.
The plan, published by the National Police Chiefs Council, sets out how police should respond to and investigate thefts against convenience stores and other retail businesses.
The guidelines for police officers focuses on areas including prioritising attendance at the scene of violent crimes, how retailers should report crimes, and identifying “hot spot” locations where additional patrols would be beneficial.
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The publication follows a meeting chaired by minister for policing Chris Philp today attended by 13 of the largest UK retailers and senior police leaders.
Further details were outlined about the next steps for Operation Pegasus, an initiative that aims to deter shoplifters.
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”.
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