Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, is supporting Safer Business Action Week and pledges his support to tackle retail crime and violence against shop staff.
Safer Business Action Week is a national campaign that takes place from 14th – 21st October where police and partners across the country joining together to tackle business crime in their communities.
Commissioner David Allen said: “Weeks of action such as Safer Business Action Week provides the public with a look at what Police and partners are doing year-round to prevent and reduce retail crime.
“The most recent crime statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlight that shoplifting figures are nationally at the highest level since records began in 2003. Between 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024, there have been 1,247 reports of shoplifting in the county. Up 202 reports from the same period last year.
“It is imperative that we reduce this but also look at the cause of the influx and how we can prevent it.
“During my election, I pledged to protect Cumbria and this includes the safety of businesses and their staff. My view and that of the Constabulary’s is no theft is too small and it all adds up no matter if the business is a small independent or a major chain – it has an effect.
“In relation to shop staff, we need to bring in better and stronger protection for them. Everyone has the right to go to work and do their job without living in fear of being abused or assaulted – it is absolutely appalling that this is not the case currently.
“To anyone considering shoplifting or abusing staff who work in shops to think about the effects of their actions – it is not a victimless crime, you will be caught and you will face the consequences. I would also encourage shopworkers to continue to report any theft or harassment to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about retail crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
Temporary Superintendent Lee Skelton said “We work all year round with businesses to prevent theft from shops and take action against those targeting businesses.
“This week our Neighbourhood Policing Team will be visiting local businesses to continue that relationship and provide crime prevention advice.
“Although we have seen a rise in shoplifting offences, this is in line with the national rise and Cumbria has one of the lowest rates in the country.
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, it affects businesses that contribute to the Cumbrian economy and provide jobs.
“One of the best ways we can tackle offences like this is through receiving information from those working in shops and from members of the public who see anything suspicious.
“It is only by receiving reports from the public that we can identify suspects to hold them to account for their actions, such as putting them before the courts or subjecting them to Criminal Behaviour Orders restricting their behaviours.”
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.