Food and drink are most targeted items

by shoplifting to supermarkets and other targeted retailers.

We do this by highlighting the various prevention opportunities such as the offer of security surveys and we also issue target hardening advice to improve retailers’ resistance to shoplifting.

In addition to annual festive action plans, all divisions have been tasked to develop local action plans to proactively disrupt such thefts.

Common themes within the plans include improved communications with local businesses through the use of social media, participation in city centre radio link groups and police presence at retailers’ association meetings to provide crime prevention advice.

While many of the crimes are driven by theft for profit, it is recognised that these are also often committed as an act of desperation through financial hardship.

On these occasions and where appropriate, efforts are made to signpost the offender to the appropriate support service.

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