Wiltshire Police Tackle Retail Crime in New Safer Business Drive
Wiltshire Police have kicked off Safer Business Action Week, a crack campaign targeting retail crime across the county. Working with the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), officers have already visited over 225 shops to dish out crime prevention tips and push local safety schemes.
Shoplifting Down But Crime Still Underreported
Good news: shoplifting offences dropped by 11% in the last year, with just under 3,400 incidents recorded between September 2023 and September 2024. Police are stepping up patrols – both high-visibility and plainclothes – on high streets to support retailers and put off crooks.
“Whilst the 11% decrease in reports of shoplifting offences to Wiltshire Police is positive, we recognise this crime is underreported,” said Superintendent Doug Downing, Wiltshire Police’s Local Policing chief. “We encourage retailers to work with us by reporting all instances of shoplifting, no matter the value of the items.”
Partner Agencies Join Forces to Protect Shops
The operation isn’t going solo. Wiltshire Police have teamed up with local security staff, City Rangers, and Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID) to offer extra support. Shopkeepers are urged to join Shop Watch and Business Watch groups to share info and boost security.
Superintendent Downing added, “Our neighbourhood policing teams will keep a visible presence in town and city centres, working alongside partners to prevent retail crime. We continue to encourage retailers to report all shoplifting incidents through official channels.”
New CCTV and More Wardens Back Up the Push
Thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, new CCTV cameras have been installed in Chippenham and Swindon, plus four mobile units in Salisbury. Anti-social behaviour wardens are on patrol in Swindon and Salisbury town centres to clamp down on trouble spots.
“People who work in retail should feel they can go to work without fear of being assaulted or abused,” said Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. “We’re working closely with Wiltshire Police and partners to make your working environment safer.”
Retailers: Get Involved and Stay Protected
Retailers in Wiltshire and Swindon are encouraged to join their local Shop Watch by contacting neighbourhood policing teams, Chambers of Commerce, or signing up online via Wiltshire Police Community Messaging.
For top tips and more info on how to keep your business safe, visit the Wiltshire Police website.
