Easy reference guide for officers dealing with shoplifting released by college
The College of Policing has created new guidance to support officers responding to shoplifting offences.
It sets out how officers should investigate reports of theft from shops and prevention measures that can be taken.
This will help officers “to identify criminals, gather the evidence and help bring those responsible to justice”, says the college.
Police will prioritise attending thefts where the offender has been detained by store staff, is still at the scene or nearby, where violence has been used or where evidence such as forensics or CCTV need to be quickly collected.
Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, College of Policing lead for local policing, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and policing recognises the impact it can have on retailers and communities.
“In the summer, the College of Policing and police forces committed to improve investigations and drive down crime rates by following all reasonable lines of enquiry. This new guidance will make sure this commitment is applied to shoplifting.
“It’s an easy reference guide that will support officers to identify criminals, gather the evidence and help bring those responsible to justice.”
The guidance follows the publication of the Government’s action plan on shoplifting, with latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showing police recorded offences of shoplifting in England and Wales increased by 25 per cent in the past year.
The guide will provide all the practical steps that need to be taken at a retail theft but also highlight other tools that can be used to achieve a successful prosecution such as Impact Statements for Business. These allow a business to have a voice in the criminal justice process and explain to prosecutors and courts how retail theft is affecting them and their customers.
The guide is available at Investigation of retail crime | College of Policing