Police in Three Rivers are stepping up their efforts to tackle retail crime at a store which is losing thousands of pounds each week to shoplifting.
The force’s Operation Hotspot team is supporting neighbourhood officers and the management team at the Co-op in Delta Gain to deliver a bespoke crime-fighting strategy, with the aim of driving down those figures and tackling the root causes of the issue.
Inspector Dan Bales, from the Op Hotspot team, said: “I want to stress that this project isn’t about pointing the finger or highlighting shortcomings; we are working together to problem solve, and we can do this with data-led policing and our specialised skillset.
“On the face of it some may think shoplifting is merely a minor issue, but the reality is that it causes huge financial harm and is often linked to drug-related offending and organised crime.
“Therefore, we are determined to protect local business in the community by making this store a hostile environment for thieves.”
This tactical problem-solving work – which complements the national Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee – has already begun and there is plenty in the pipeline for the near future with partners from the district council, and the Co-op’s management team.
Part of the plan includes the regular release of CCTV images showing individuals that police believe could assist their investigations into theft of goods from the store.
Inspector Bales said: “I want residents to know that we are going to use every tool available to identify those people who are responsible for the high level of retail crime in this location, so don’t think of it as an easy target.”
While enforcement is a priority, officers are also taking more of a holistic approach and ensuring appropriate safeguarding is in place for those who need help.
Inspector Ben Harper, who leads the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Three Rivers, said: “Times are tough, and many are struggling to keep up with the cost of living – but shoplifting isn’t the answer – there are services available, and we can signpost people to the right support.”
Inspector Harper added: “By working closely with Inspector Bales and his specialist team, we’re demonstrating our commitment to reducing retail crime, supporting local businesses and supporting the vulnerable, ensuring Three Rivers remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
This work is one example of how the constabulary is supporting Safer Business Action Week, running from Monday, November 10 to Friday, November 14, led by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC).
The NBCC, which was established in 2017, works closely with businesses, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to prevent and reduce the impact of business crime in the UK.
Throughout the week, Business Crime Reductions Partnerships (BCRPs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and the private security industry are working together to tackle prolific offenders, offer crime prevention advice and carry out joint patrols.
The week forms part of the national ‘Tackling Retail Crime Together’ strategic plan, which was launched by the Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention in July.
If you witness a crime in action, always dial 999. This gives police the best chance to respond in good time, before locating and/or arresting any suspects. If you’re reporting a crime retrospectively, you can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
0 Comments