Local Shoplifting Update

Local Shoplifting Update

You raised shoplifting as a concern, so here’s a quick local update.

SNT conducted a meeting with local shop owners and business representatives to discuss crime prevention initiatives aimed at reducing incidents of shoplifting within the area. During the meeting, officers provided crime prevention advice, encouraged the reporting of all offences, and discussed opportunities for information sharing between businesses and police. Retailers were also advised on the effective use of CCTV, staff vigilance, and crime prevention measures to identify and deter offenders. The engagement strengthened relationships between the SNT and the local business community, promoting a collaborative approach to tackling shoplifting and improving community safety.

The Met is cracking down on street crime, like shoplifting, people doing drugs and phone-snatching. 

We’ve put hundreds more officers on the frontlines of community crime-fighting teams, upping visible patrols in the right ‘hot spots’ so we can deter and catch criminals.

We’re now arresting more than 1,000 extra criminals every month and seeing ‘neighbourhood crime’ down 14%.

But we know there is more to do. That’s why we’re stepping up our use of technology, increasing our operations and working with retailers to make it less appealing for criminals to commit these crimes in the first place.

If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. 

For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter.

We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November.