The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is making a call to action for police and crime commissioners (PCCs) across England and Wales to contribute valuable information on their strategies to combat retail crime.

This initiative is part of the ongoing 'Stop Shop Theft' campaign, which aims to create a comprehensive resource for retailers and enhance the reporting mechanisms for shop theft.

Engagement from ten PCCs in delivering the Retail Crime Action Plan

The Stop Shop Theft campaign has gained momentum, with ten PCCs actively participating in sharing insights into how they are implementing the Retail Crime Action Plan.

The campaign includes details on the methods adopted by forces, guidelines for retailers to report theft incidents, and designated points of contact for different force areas.

The PCCs currently engaged in the campaign are Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), Alun Michael (South Wales), John Dwyer (Cheshire), Andy Dunbobbin (North Wales), Festus Akinbusoye (Bedfordshire), Kim McGuinness (Northumbria), Andrew Snowden (Lancashire), Emily Spurrell (Merseyside), David Sidwick (Dorset), and Steve Turner (Cleveland).

Notably, these representatives hail from both Labour and Conservative parties, reflecting a bipartisan approach to addressing the issue.

ACS chief executive urges further participation

James Lowman, the CEO of the ACS, commended the positive response from the PCCs involved in the Stop Shop Theft campaign.

However, Lowman emphasised the need for broader engagement, urging all remaining PCCs to contribute and help build a comprehensive information repository.

The objective is to empower retailers across England and Wales with essential resources, making it simpler for them to report shop theft incidents and collaborate with law enforcement.

As part of the campaign, the ACS is encouraging retailers to proactively reach out to their respective PCCs. Retailers can use a template email available on the campaign website to request key information about the delivery of the Retail Crime Action Plan from their PCCs.

This collaborative effort aims to foster a stronger partnership between retailers and law enforcement, ultimately creating a safer environment for both businesses and their employees.

The Stop Shop Theft campaign, led by the ACS, underscores the significance of a collective approach to addressing and preventing retail crime.

It seeks to establish a transparent and accessible framework that benefits retailers, law enforcement, and the community at large.