New team dedicated to dealing with retail crime

Retail crime can have a significant impact on victims and communities. It affects not only large organisations, but also smaller independent businesses. And it’s not only theft, retail workers are also increasingly reporting harassment, assaults and other public order offences.

A new team has been set up within Derbyshire Constabulary, dedicated to dealing with retail crime.

The team review all shoplifting occurrences and start off the investigation, liaising with stores and collating evidence. Where suspects are identified, the details are passed on to local teams to follow up.

Sergeant Sarah Witham, who leads the unit said: “It’s a great opportunity to get stuck into a problem which has always been there. We can make a difference by showing that we take shop theft seriously. We will deal with it in a proactive way, working with businesses to tackle the problem - especially when it comes to repeat offenders.”

Sarah’s team will be working alongside Derbyshire Business Crime Reduction Partnership, sharing information, intelligence and reports to properly understand the picture across the county.

They will also be carrying out crime prevention visits to stores, to offer support.

Shop owners are encouraged to do what they can to prevent crime and safeguard their businesses. This includes making sure physical security measures are in place outside the premises, including good lighting, CCTV and a monitored alarm.

There is information on our website about this, and advice to help you prevent theft and shoplifting. Visit Business crime prevention | Derbyshire Constabulary to read more.

You can also sign up to Derbyshire Alert to keep up to date with what’s going on in your area. There is a section on the system to register your business, and you will be able to receive and reply to messages from your local policing team. Visit Home Page - Derbyshire Alert