Key Summary
- More than 500 town centres across the UK will see increased police patrols and targeted enforcement this summer as part of the home secretary’s Safer Streets initiative
- Shop theft has surged by over 60 per cent in the past two years, and abuse of shopworkers is now described as “endemic” by retail industry leaders
- Retail trade bodies have cautiously welcomed the initiative, while emphasising the importance of enforcement and sustained support beyond the summer
More than 500 town centres across the UK will see increased police patrols and targeted enforcement this summer as part of the home secretary’s Safer Streets initiative to tackle record levels of shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Announced today (4 July), the initiative is the first phase of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and includes bespoke local action plans developed by police and crime commissioners, in collaboration with businesses and councils, to crack down on criminality and restore public confidence in policing.
“High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities. Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns,” home secretary Yvette Cooper said. “The fact that 500 towns have signed up shows the strength of feeling on this issue.”
Shop theft has surged by over 60 per cent in the past two years, and abuse of shopworkers is now described as “endemic” by retail industry leaders. The Safer Streets summer campaign is backed by a new Tackling Retail Crime Together strategy, which will harness shared data from police, retailers and security partners to disrupt both organised gangs and repeat offenders.
“We are on the side of local businesses, and our Plan for Change is helping create the right conditions for our great British high streets to thrive,” business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said.
“The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will play a vital role in achieving this by keeping footfall high, communities and those that work in them safe, and the economy growing.”
Retailers welcome action but call for follow-through
Retail trade bodies have cautiously welcomed the initiative, while emphasising the importance of enforcement and sustained support beyond the summer.
James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), said:
“We welcome the home secretary's Safer Streets Initiative which brings a much-needed focus on the safety of shoppers, employees, and business owners in our communities… But it’s important that efforts are spread to all the areas where businesses trade and where people live, work, shop and socialise.”
Lowman also flagged concerns about rogue traders and illicit sales. “Making our streets and parades safer isn’t just about police presence, it’s also about ensuring that illegal selling from rogue traders is stamped out through robust enforcement. Responsible retailers are fed up with losing business to these criminals… There’s no point introducing new laws if the ones we have already aren’t being enforced.”
The ACS has called for £140 million in additional funding for Trading Standards over the next five years.
Hetal Patel, National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), said the summer crackdown is “timely and welcome”.
“Shop theft is often seen as a victimless crime but this is not the case. It takes a heavy toll mentally, physically and financially on shop owners, their families and their employees… A recent Fed survey found that 72 per cent of respondents had experienced shoplifting, break-ins or damage to their property, and 91 per cent called for more police patrols on streets.”
Patel added: “Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.”
Retail leaders back increased patrols
Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland Foods, said: “Our colleagues and customers are our number one priority at Iceland, and I hope this increase in visible policing will give them more confidence to enjoy our high streets and communities in safety this summer.”
British Retail Consortium (BRC) chief executive Helen Dickinson also welcomed the news. “With the huge rise in retail theft and the continued impact of violence and abuse on retail colleagues, we welcome the announcement of increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime and anti-social behaviour… This announcement is certainly a step in the right direction.”
The initiative also includes interventions for young people and diversionary programmes in several forces.
This week also marks #ShopKind Week, a campaign supported by the Home Office, Usdaw, BRC and leading retailers to highlight the value of shopworkers and call for an end to abuse and violence in stores.