National crackdown on shoplifting introduces tagging for offenders
10 Apr
As part of a national crackdown on shoplifting announced today, prolific offenders - who are the main offenders in our towns and City - could be subject to GPS tagging following release from prison.
I have worked hard over the last 3 years to help increase support for our business and shop owners across Derbyshire and Derby City to cut crime and tackle persistent offenders.
I have increased the number of police officers, strenghtened our neighbourhood policing and invested in extra police patrols. We are starting to see increased visibility and our police force is already working with businesses to focus on prolific offenders.
Together with Derbyshire Constabulary, I launched our Retail Crime Strategy earlier his year. This followed months of consultation with local businesses and shop owners as well as extensive work with national retailers.
I have also funded the BCRP (Business Crime Reduction Partnership) initiative and the Disc App, which support businesses, improve crime reporting and makes it easier for retailers to share intelligence with each other and the police.
https://www.derbyshire-pcc.gov.uk/news/latest-news-police-and-retailers…
Today the Government have announced a national action plan to help tackle shoplifting. A move that has been welcomed by major retailers such as the Co-op, John Lewis Partnership and the British Retail Consortium. This plan includes:
• A new offence of assaulting a retail worker;
• Expanding the use of electronic monitoring for prolific shoplifters;
• Maximising the use of new technologies for the prevention and detection of retail crime;
• Designing out crime, reducing the opportunities to steal and sell stolen goods; and
• Making it easier to report crime and share information between businesses and police.
These national changes provide important support for the work already taking place locally in Derbyshire and Derby City.
GPS tagging will be an important boost to prevent reoffending. This tougher approach to crime is what the public want to see delivered.
I am determined to support shop workers and tackle retail crime, today’s announcement will help us get more positive results in Derbyshire.