Collective commitment to tackle retail crime at Ipswich forum

Suffolk police has demonstrated its determination to tackle retail crime in the county by holding a forum geared at retailers. businesses and business improvement districts.

The first Suffolk Retail Crime Forum held yesterday (10 Oct) and opened by Chief Constable Rachel Kearton and PCC Tim Passmore, was an opportunity to explore how police can work collectively with other partners and forge closer links and increase understanding of the crimes that affect businesses.It also demonstrated the importance of protecting and safeguarding frontline staff and developing local, trusted relations.

There were presentations on the targeting of serious and organised crime as well as an input from ShopSafe, a tech company that specialises in working with shops and businesses through instant group communication and information sharing apps.

There was also an input from Dan Palfry from the Ipswich Town Foundation on the work they do as part of their Divert scheme to support teenagers on avoiding crime, building skills and developing their employability and is funded by the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner. Dan also mentioned their Kicks programme for young people who are at risk of anti-social behaviour, youth violence and/or from high-need areas. The scheme encourages regular engagement in sport, mentoring and personal development opportunities.

Round table discussions also took place to discuss ways of making retails parks for secure from the threat of crime, as well as how to tackle retail crime from the perspective of a retailer and how Business Improvement Areas can support the national retail crime action plan.

A panel question and answer session was also held where representatives from Suffolk police, Ipswich BID, (Business Improvement Districts) ShopSafe and the Co-Op Group took questions from the floor.

The event, held at Ipswich Town Football Club, comes ahead of Safer Business Week, a national week of action (14 – 20 Oct). It will see a dedicated week of activity where police will be engaging with retailers providing crime prevention advice coupled with high visibility patrols and proactive activity against offenders as well as used as an opportunity to gather intelligence.

One key aspect will see police speaking to retailers, encouraging them to report incidents such as theft it online using the Suffolk Constabulary online reporting tool on the website. A system called DAMS (Digital Asset Management System) allows businesses to share CCTV footage and other potential evidence electronically quickly and easily with police. The force’s Design Out Crime Officers will also be providing guidance and tips on techniques to assist with crime prevention measures to reduce things like shoplifting and criminal damage.

Supt Andy Martin said: "This event, ahead of Safer Business Week, was an opportunity to revitalise our collective commitment to tackle retail and business crime. We completed a ‘health check’ on our compliance with the national retail plan recently and we are in a good place, however there is always more we can do but it is a team effort and can’t merely arrest our way out of it.

“That said, we remain committed to targeting prolific offenders and particularly those who use violence and continue to strive to secure strong evidence to secure convictions. Our local figures show roughly three quarters of retail crime relates to theft, while a quarter relates to an element of violence used and all too often, sadly, it is a combination of both.

“We continue to work to tackle shoplifting and including using preventative powers such the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to tackle persistent offenders, use of Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders.

“Work needs to be done to improve the sharing of information and intelligence between retailers and improving the ability to secure evidence, but it is not impossible. It is only through a collective and determined effort will we succeed.

“We would always urge victims of retail or business crime to report it. For example, shoplifting is a crime whatever the value of the item stolen and can result in a criminal conviction, which can have a serious impact on someone’s life. We understand this this behaviour is simply unacceptable as it ultimately can threaten the future of the business affected.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “I was delighted to attend the Constabulary’s Retail Conference. The whole day was very informative and an excellent example of how a joint approach from business, voluntary and the public sector can come together and tackle this form of criminality. The retail sector is a very important component of our economy. Supporting a strong and vibrant economy will continue to be a major priority in my new Suffolk Police and Crime Plan.

“There is never an excuse for violence and intimidation against retail staff or theft of goods in any circumstances. There is now a strong commitment for us all to work together utilising new technologies, better data and information exchanges and using examples of best practice nationwide to prevent retail crime and bring offenders to justice.

“I am looking forward to implementing many of these ideas in collaboration.”

Mark Cordell from Bury St Edmunds Bid said: “I’m delighted to have attended this first event and I am pleased that Suffolk police are as committed as we are to improve how retail crime is reported and reduced. I look forward to working with partners on the project.”

CEO of Ipswich Central Lee Walker said: “Having recently started in my role, I am reassured to see the commitment by police with this collaborative working approach and with this initiative it is a positive step forward to reinforce that commitment.”

Chris Gumming Safety Lead for the Co-Op Group said: “It was great to get round the table with people with a shared endeavour to make a difference as it is the only way we can solve retail crime as a collective.”