BUSINESSES are being encouraged to join a new police crime charter - as shoplifting and other retail-related crime continues to rise.
A record number of shoplifting offences were recorded last year and Barnsley Central’s Neighbourhood Policing Team revealed that 94 occurred in February alone.
The rise has been blamed on multiple issues, including the rising cost-of-living, an increase in staffless shop models and reduced prison capacities.
Beyond thievery, there has been a further increase of threatening and abusive behaviour towards retail staff, with courts now given additional powers to hand out tougher sentences to attackers.
South Yorkshire Police along with retail centres have now come together to do more through a new business crime charter, which will increase work to reduce the opportunities for crimes and take more robust action when it does take place.
Major shopping centres across the county have signed up to the charter alongside some of the country’s biggest retailers, with local partnership groups also forming in areas across South Yorkshire - though police are hoping to expand further and encourage more businesses to sign up.
Inspector Kay Fitzgerald, force lead for retail crime, said: “This charter will allow us to develop a robust partnership approach to tackling shoplifting and cracking down on retail crime.
“As a force, we do not accept that retail crime is victimless or acceptable. It is not - and we are determined to go after the thieves carrying out these despicable crimes.
“We will prioritise cases where staff are abused, threatened or assaulted and we remain committed to working with those involved in the industry so they can better protect their goods and support their colleagues in their day-to-day roles.
“We know that we are stronger when we work together, and we want to make our cities, towns and villages safe and welcoming places for people to live, work, visit and shop.
“A joined-up approach bringing together an extensive network of stake holders will allow us to share information and intelligence on known offenders, while also offering support to vulnerable people in communities across South Yorkshire.
“We will also commit to further investing in crime reduction partnership groups in each of the four districts in South Yorkshire, which see South Yorkshire Police, local authorities and business owners work together as part of a joint commitment to tackle retail crime.
“We remain committed as a force to combating retail crime and this charter will only strengthen our position in ensuring shoplifters are dealt with by the full force of the law.”
If you own a business in South Yorkshire and are interested in signing up, email retailcrime@southyorkshire.police.uk.
