Call to boost police officers after spate of shoplifting
Traders call for Government to reverse cuts
RETAILERS in Hinckley are calling on the Government to reverse “misguided” cuts to police forces following a spate of shoplifting.
In December, traders said shoplifting had reached “unacceptable” levels in the town centre, with one store forced to keep its front doors locked at all times after being targeted by distraction thieves seven times in seven months.
The situation has since improved following the introduction of a new radio reporting system, improved CCTV coverage, extra warning signs and an increased focus by police, Hinckley Town Centre Partnership (BID) said.
But shop owners are still urging the Government to make more funds available to boost bobbies on the beat.
Hinckley BID, the Chamber of Trade and council bosses raised their concerns to Leicestershire’s police and crime commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, and local force bosses at a meeting last week.
Steve Wegerif, director of Hinckley BID, said Hinckley is “rapidly growing”, unlike most other towns in the UK, and needs more police resources, not cutbacks.
He said BID were considering hiring their own security staff, dubbed “rangers”, to patrol the town centre if austerity continued.
But he is now “more confident” police are looking into the situation following meetings with Mr Bach, chief constable Simon Cole and Hinckley police chief, inspector Dan Eveleigh.
He added: “We are still appealing to the Government to reverse their misguided policy of police cuts, especially given the rising number of new homes being built to accommodate the rapidly growing population.”
Rosemary Wright, president of the chamber of trade, said: “One size does not fit all - the cuts are damaging business and making residents uneasy.”
Mrs Wright wrote to Bosworth MP David Tredinnick with their concerns.
During the meeting, Lord Bach advised retailers on the importance of crime prevention, especially relocating high-value product displays and increased security measures.
He said police funding has been cut by 20% over the past few years and the force must prioritise resources based on threat, harm and risk.
He added: “Pleasingly, recent figures show a reduction in shoplifting in the Hinckley area which is due to the proactive work undertaken by local officers.
“However, we know that not all incidents of shoplifting are reported to the police and we would encourage shopkeepers to continue to report offences so that we can gauge the true extent of the problem.
“I was pleased to see how the force is working in partnership with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the Business Improvement District (BID) to deal with thefts and anti-social behaviour in the town, which has resulted in increased presence and engagement in the area.
“We are very keen to build on this relationship and continue to address issues of security and prevention.”