An independent evaluation of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) Operation STOP scheme has identified significant reductions in offending among prolific shoplifters taking part in the initiative, which combines GPS tagging with tailored rehabilitation support.
Launched in East Sussex in summer 2025, Operation STOP is a partnership initiative led by Sussex PCC, Katy Bourne, working alongside Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council, the Probation Service, Change Grow Live and the Co-op.
The programme combines GPS tagging as a condition of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) with “intensive, tailored support to tackle the complex issues that often underpin persistent shop theft,” the PCC said.
Encouraging results
Findings drawn from the evaluation, conducted by the Centre for Public Innovation, indicate that tagged offenders experienced substantially fewer offences, with some participants stopping offending altogether.
Police, retailers and criminal justice partners also reported clear reductions in repeat offending and positive impacts for local businesses.
The success of the initial East Sussex pilot, which only used 10 GPS tags, led to the scheme expanding across the whole of Sussex in May 2026. The project now has capacity for 30 tags across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
Since the first GPS tag was fitted in September 2025, Operation STOP has demonstrated significant reductions in shop theft among those taking part.
A total of 16 CBOs with GPS tagging conditions have been authorised to date. Six offenders are still wearing tags, with a further 12 awaiting court hearings.
Reduced offending
Analysis undertaken as part of the independent evaluation found that all eight tagged offenders included in the initial analysis reduced their offending, with five committing no further offences after being tagged.
One prolific offender has now remained offence-free since October 2025. There were approximately 11 to 13 fewer offences committed per person after tagging, representing an overall reduction of around 58%. Participants who did reoffend consistently committed fewer offences after having a tag fitted.
Based on average offending rates before and after tagging for the eight offenders, approximately 300 offences will be prevented in a 12-month period, saving around £100k in associated costs to police and the wider criminal justice system.
Co-op partnership
Partners involved in the project also reported noticeable reductions in offending, describing “a dramatic fall” in offences, a “pattern of reduction in offending” and an “undeniable drop in offending,” the PCC added.
Commenting on the project and evaluation findings, PCC Katy Bourne said: “We know that a few offenders cause the most crime when it comes to shop theft. These results show our innovative approach can make a dramatic difference in keeping our high streets safer.
“Operation STOP is reducing reoffending, supporting police investigations and giving retailers renewed confidence that action is being taken.
“As we continue to expand the pilot phase across Sussex, we’re still learning – developing a better understanding of who engages well, where challenges arise and how we can provide the right support.
“We’re working with a group of individuals who often have multiple and complex needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We recently had one individual voluntarily request to have a GPS tag fitted, as they were being exploited by others to commit offences on their behalf and wanted that to stop.
20% reduction
The Co-op has been involved in Operation STOP since its launch. Matt Pratley, colleague safety and wellbeing manager there, said: “Effective police partnerships coupled with our investment in wide-ranging safety and security measures and increased police attendance, contributed to the more than 20% reduction in overall retail crime seen at Co-op year-on-year - a trend we continue to see in 2026.”
“By targeting prolific offenders, its focus on reducing repeat offending, supporting police investigations and improving monitoring and enforcement, sends a loud and clear message that retail crime is not acceptable and supports our shared commitment of backing local high streets and communities.”
The project has also provided additional intelligence and investigative opportunities for Sussex Police. GPS data has helped identify previously unknown offences and supported targeted operational activity against prolific offenders.
A key feature of Operation STOP is its focus on rehabilitation alongside enforcement.
The project includes a dedicated Business Crime Navigator role, delivered by Change Grow Live and co-funded by Southern Co-op, the Probation Service and East Sussex County Council.
The Navigator provides personalised support to offenders, helping them access housing, healthcare, substance misuse services, benefits, employment support and other interventions designed to address the issues driving repeat offending.
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