Tackling retail crime has been highlighted as a priority for Surrey Police, it says.
On the release of its new retail crime strategy, the force has commented on its commitment to “work with retailers to prevent crime where possible.”
In the past year, it says it has achieved a four-fold increase in the number of charges for shoplifting county-wide - amounting to more than 800 cases.
The arrest rate for these crimes has more than doubled as well - from around 10% previously to around 24% this year. “While our solved outcome rate is currently 23.5%, this time last year it was around 16%, and the year previous around 11%. Our renewed retail crime strategy will help us continue to build on this progress and make it clear to criminals that Surrey is not the place for them.”
Surrey Police Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, added: “Retail crime is far from a victimless crime. It leads to fear and loss across a whole network from business owners to employees and customers – who are all part of a community we are here to protect.
“We’re committed to tackling retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops. To do so, we rely on thefts being reported so that we can identify hotspots and trends, act swiftly and prevent crime from happening and catch the offenders where it does occur.”
Talking about the refreshed plan, Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker (left), force lead for retail crime, added: “Our strategy sets out clear guidelines for our response to retail crime and our local teams are embedding this in their operational work.
“Retail crime is simply not fair. It can be volatile, dangerous and fuels local illicit activities. Through clear co-operation and partnership working, the figures can be improved. We’ve made positive strides in this area, but there is more to do.”
In March, the force also launched a joint retail crime survey with Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, asking those who have been affected by retail crime to speak up about the impact it has had on them and how our service to the business community can be improved. Findings from this important survey will be incorporated in its work going forward.
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