Charges in over 800 shoplifting cases as Surrey Police tackles retail crime ‘head on’

That is why tackling retail crime is a force priority for Surrey Police.

From shop owners who have spent years building up their independent business, to a 16-year-old working a Saturday shift at a local store, the breadth of those who can be affected by criminals out to target retail premises is vast.

Surrey Police’s commitment to addressing this crime type is part of their refreshed retail crime strategy, in which they endeavour to respond appropriately, investigate thoroughly and work with retailers to prevent crime where possible. 

In the past year, Surrey Police has achieved a four-fold increase in the number of charges for shoplifting county-wide, amounting to more than 800 cases.

Surrey Police’s arrest rate for these crimes has more than doubled – from around 10% previously to around 24% this year, while the solved outcome rate is currently 23.5%. This time last year, it was around 16% and the year previous, it was around 11%.

Surrey Police’s renewed retail crime strategy will help continue to build on this progress and make it clear to criminals that Surrey is not the place for them.

Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Retail crime is far from a ‘victimless crime’.

“It leads to fear and loss across a whole network from business owners to employees and customers – who are all part of a community we are here to protect. 

“We are committed to tackling retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops.

“To do so, we rely on thefts being reported so that we can identify hotspots and trends, act swiftly, and prevent crime from happening and catch the offenders where it does occur. 

“Pursuing all appropriate avenues to identify offenders, collect evidence, recover stolen property, ensure witnesses are located and interviewed, and get these crimes to court, is a priority for our officers.” 

Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker, force lead for retail crime, added: “Our strategy sets out clear guidelines for our response to retail crime and our local teams are embedding this in their operational work.

“Retail crime is simply not fair. It can be volatile, dangerous and fuels local illicit activities.

“Through clear co-operation and partnership working, the figures can be improved.

“We have made positive strides in this area, but there is more to do.”

Locally, Surrey Police’s neighbourhood policing teams visit retailers during proactive patrols, identifying repeat locations and suspects.

Surrey Police also carry out intensified and targeted activity against shoplifting, providing additional advice and reassurance to communities, and working with businesses to review their security measures. 

In March, Surrey Police also launched a joint retail crime survey with Surrey’s Police & Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, asking those who have been affected by retail crime to speak up about the impact it has had on them and how their service to the business community can be improved.

Findings from this important survey will be incorporated in Surrey Police’s work going forward.

The Commissioner said: “I know from speaking to shop owners and staff, and reading the responses to our survey, that retail crime continues to have a significant impact across our county.

“We have seen impressive progress over the last year in tackling this issue but there is clearly more to do.

“That is why I am delighted that this new strategy will help our police teams work more closely with our retailers and target offenders, so we can drive this criminality out of our communities in Surrey.” 

Surrey Police know that retail crime often goes unreported. Surrey Police encourage businesses to always report crimes to via their reporting tools found on the Surrey Police website.

Surrey Police’s dedicated Suspicious Activity Portal can also be used to upload any digital media – the portal is not a reporting tool but helps the force to build a vital picture of intelligence.