Retailers and police have discussed ways to tackle shop crime, improve staff safety and strengthen information sharing at a business breakfast hosted by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
The event, held at Craigavon Civic Centre, brought together representatives from major retailers including Tesco, Currys, Gordons Chemist and The Henderson Group, alongside independent retailers and other local businesses.
The programme focused on current retail crime trends, fraud prevention and practical measures businesses can take to protect staff and premises.
Superintendent Pete Cunningham of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) outlined current retail crime trends and challenges affecting the sector, highlighting the importance of partnership working in tackling criminal activity.
Constable Ross Thompson of the Banbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team presented the Safe Shop Scheme, explaining how businesses can work with police and other partners to improve information sharing and enhance safety.
Chris Wynne of Danske Bank also delivered a session on fraud and scam prevention, offering advice to help businesses protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated scams and criminal activity.
The event included a bystander training session led by Michael Avila of Avila Media, equipping participants with skills and confidence to respond safely to challenging situations in the workplace.
Councillor Jessica Johnston, chair of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP, said retail crime was a challenge that no business should have to face alone.
“This event highlighted the value of partnership working and information sharing in helping to prevent crime, support staff and improve safety for businesses across our borough. It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from retailers and partner organisations committed to finding solutions together,” she added.
Feedback from attendees was positive, the council said, with participants reporting increased awareness of retail crime issues and greater confidence in reporting incidents and concerns to police.