Local stores urge police and crime commissioners to tackle retail crime

By Liz Wells in Industry News 17th May 2021

The NFRN has written to all newly-elected and re-elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs) urging them to include tackling the increase in retail crime as a priority in their five-year plans.

The trade association has also called for all PCCs to meet with district representatives in their area to discuss the challenges that retail crime presents to its members on a daily basis, and explore how they can work together to protect those who serve their local communities.

NFRN national president, Stuart Reddish, said: “Our members have been heartened by the way that the issue of retail crime has risen up the political agenda over the last couple of years, although significant increases in the number of attacks linked to Covid-19 and the wearing of masks has been disappointing.

“The ongoing work of the House of Commons Select Committee on Home Affairs and the government’s recognition that retail crime suffers from significant under-reporting, have both been welcomed.

“However, there is still much more to be done if retailers are to have the confidence that reporting incidents that occur in their stores will result in the arrest and suitable punishment of those responsible.”