MPS technology quadruples shoplifting justice rate as rollout expands

The force said the digital reporting platform, which enables retailers to upload CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence directly to investigating officers, has increased the positive outcome rate for reported shoplifting offences from 7.3 per cent to 29.4 per cent in boroughs where it has been piloted.

The system, which has been trialled in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley, is being expanded to retailers in Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.

The Met said the technology allows officers to receive evidence within minutes rather than waiting up to 28 days or longer, enabling them to identify suspects, make arrests and build cases more quickly. Major retailers including Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Greggs are already using the platform.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for business crime, said: “The results speak for themselves. This crime reporting technology is helping us identify offenders faster and bring more shoplifters to justice.

“By receiving CCTV footage and evidence directly from retailers at the point a crime is committed, we can build stronger cases and act more decisively.

“Tackling retail crime remains a top priority for the Met. Reported shoplifting offences across London are down by almost four per cent, but we’re not taking our foot off the pedal as evidenced by this continued use of new tech.”

The force said reported shoplifting offences across London fell by 3.7 per cent in the last financial year, equivalent to around 3,500 fewer offences. During the same period, arrests for retail crime increased by almost 50 per cent, while the number of positive outcomes more than doubled from 2,682 to 5,996.

The announcement comes as police forces continue to invest in technology aimed at improving investigations and tackling rising concerns over retail crime.