Wiltshire Police has launched Safer Business Action Week, an initiative aimed at tackling retail crime across the county. In collaboration with the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), neighbourhood policing teams have visited over 225 retailers to provide crime prevention advice and encourage participation in local safety schemes.
The number of shoplifting offences reported to Wiltshire Police has decreased by 11% over the past year, with just under 3,400 incidents recorded from September 2023 to September 2024. Officers have been carrying out high-visibility and plain clothes patrols across Wiltshire’s high streets to support retailers and deter crime.
In partnership with local agencies, including security staff, City Rangers, and the Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID), police have provided additional support to help retailers prevent theft and other forms of retail crime. Shopkeepers have been encouraged to join local Shop Watch and Business Watch schemes, enabling them to share information and enhance security measures.
Superintendent Doug Downing, Wiltshire Police’s Superintendent for Local Policing, commented, “Whilst the 11% decrease in reports of shoplifting offences to Wiltshire Police is positive, we recognise this crime is underreported. We encourage retailers to work with us by reporting all instances of shoplifting, no matter the value of the items. It is vital retail crimes are reported to Wiltshire Police so that all leads can be investigated and loss to businesses in our county can be prevented.”
Neighbourhood teams have been actively visiting shops across the county to promote these schemes, encouraging retailers to sign up via Wiltshire Police Community Messaging, a two-way messaging service providing users with updates directly via email.
Superintendent Downing added, “Our neighbourhood policing teams will continue to work alongside partner agencies to be a visible presence in our town and city centres to prevent retail crime. We continue to encourage retailers to report all instances of shoplifting using our official reporting channels.”
As part of the initiative, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has funded new CCTV cameras in Chippenham and Swindon, as well as four mobile CCTV units in Salisbury. Additionally, anti-social behaviour wardens have been deployed in Salisbury and Swindon town centres to address problem areas.
Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, emphasized the importance of focusing on retail crime in the draft of his Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029. “I have spoken to shop managers and small to medium business owners who have made it clear that they want something done about the criminals affecting their ability to survive in the current financial climate. People who work in retail should feel they can go to work without fear of being assaulted or abused,” he said.
Mr Wilkinson reassured retail workers, stating, “My team is working with Wiltshire Police and our partners to make your working environment safer and to make you feel safer.”
Retailers operating in Wiltshire or Swindon are encouraged to join their local Shop Watch scheme by contacting their local neighbourhood policing team, or Chamber of Commerce, or signing up through the Wiltshire Police Community Messaging website. For more information on retail crime prevention, visit the Wiltshire Police website.
