Government doubles neighbourhood policing fund amid surge in retail crime

The Home Office has announced a significant boost in funding for neighbourhood policing, doubling its previous commitment from £100 million to £200 million.

This move aims to kickstart the recruitment of 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers across England and Wales, with the goal of meeting this target by 2029.

“This major investment marks a turning point for policing in this country. By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200 million, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSOs [police community support officers] where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres,” Yvette Cooper, home secretary, said.

“Every neighbourhood deserves dedicated officers who know their patch, understand residents’ concerns and can tackle problems before they escalate. This investment, alongside new powers we are bringing into law, will help prevent crime and protect our communities, which is at the heart of our Plan for Change.”

The funding increase comes in response to growing concerns over rising crime rates, particularly shoplifting and retail-related offences. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that shoplifting offences have reached a record high, with nearly 500,000 incidents recorded in England and Wales over the past year - an alarming 23 per cent increase from the previous year. This translates to approximately 1,350 recorded shoplifting crimes every day.

Adding to the urgency, a British Retail Consortium (BRC) crime survey found more than 20 million incidents of theft committed in the year to 31 August 2024, which equates to 55,000 a day, costing retailers a total £2.2 billion.

The survey also highlighted a surge in retail crime, reporting over 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse daily. These include cases of racial and sexual abuse, physical assaults, and threats involving weapons - with weapon-related incidents more than doubling compared to the previous year.

Paul Gerrard, Co-op’s director of campaigns and public affairs, welcomed the government's commitment.

“As a community-based retailer, we all too often see the significant and damaging impact of retail crime and antisocial behaviour in society,” Gerrard said.

“We know - and have seen the results - that effective partnerships with local policing make a real difference, and I am cautiously optimistic that this latest development along with continued investment in preventative measures and the rising levels of police attendance can start to reverse retail crime levels, and help communities become stronger, more resilient and safer.”

While the funding boost has been met with optimism, challenges remain. The BRC survey found that 61 per cent of retailers rated police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

The government’s broader policing strategy includes a total funding increase to £17.5 billion for the next financial year, up by £1.1 billion compared to the 2024-2025 settlement. This comprehensive plan also introduces the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which will equip officers with enhanced powers, such as respect orders to tackle antisocial behaviour and shoplifting more effectively.