Shoplifting: some further responses
A spokesperson for the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne:
“PCC Bourne has encouraged the Chief Constable to really grip retail crime. Now Sussex Police have an effective Business Crime Team (BCT) that works closely with local businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and BCRPs. Over the past 12 months the BCT investigated 83% of all shoplifting offences reported to Sussex Police, and the dedicated retail crime response – Operation Apprentice – -secured 1,782 charges against 138 repeat offenders.
“To tackle the scourge of repeat shoplifters, my office launched Operation STOP in October last year. The Shop Theft Offender Pilot (Op STOP) sees police apply for Criminal Behaviour Orders from courts which mean persistent shoplifters are electronically tagged and monitored, as well as provided with tailored rehabilitation support. Early evaluation of the pilot is that the tagged offenders have stopped or reduced reoffending.”
John Bownas, Manager of Love Hastings:
“The local increase in shoplifting is almost entirely due to just one store making a decision to report almost every incident of shoplifting to the police. Typically stores only report around 5% of these crimes, making shoplifting one of the most under-reported offences in the UK. As a direct result of this effort, the police have secured a large number of convictions and criminal behaviour orders, proving that reporting shoplifting can result in prolific offenders going to court, and this in turn sends out a strong message to others.”
A spokesperson for Hastings Borough Council (HBC):
“Shoplifting has a significant impact on local businesses, staff and the wider community, and we remain committed to working with Sussex Police and our partners to tackle it.
“While robust enforcement is essential, experience in Hastings has shown that enforcement alone is not enough. Many prolific offenders are facing complex issues, including poverty, drug and alcohol dependency, and homelessness. Addressing these underlying issues is critical if we are to reduce repeat offending.
“We have been working closely with Sussex Police to pilot a method of electronic tagging of key prolific offenders in Hastings. The wearers agree to a programme of support which has enabled a lot of them to make positive changes in their behaviour. We understand the operation has been successful in both reducing shoplifting and in helping offenders to rehabilitate.
“We encourage all businesses to report shoplifting to Sussex Police, either online or by calling 101, and to engage with their local Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).”
Community Safety Lead at HBC, Cllr Becca Horn:
“Last year, East Sussex County Council cut Adult Social Care funding by £4m. This has had a real-life impact on our most vulnerable residents: counselling, housing support and addiction services have all taken a huge hit and had to strip back their services.
“The very real impact of these cuts is playing out on our streets and in our local businesses. We continue to call for the government to urgently step up funding for mental health and addiction support services for our town.”
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