More shoplifters are facing justice in Surrey as officers crack down on offenders targeting businesses.
A 465 per cent increase in shoplifting charges has been recorded by Surrey Police over the past two years.
It comes as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and retail crime leads from Surrey Police release their first-ever retail crime report, which sets out the Force’s commitment to victims.
The report, available to download as PDF here, has been published following a survey of the business community earlier this year.
Respondents to the survey shared their experiences with retail crime, with some saying insurance premiums had gone up because of repeat incidents. Others said they felt unable to protect themselves from theft.
Report released
In the spring, Surrey Police launched its Retail Crime Strategy, which commits the Force to attending reports where appropriate, following all reasonable lines of enquiry, targeting repeat offenders and tackling organised criminal networks.
Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago.
Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased dramatically since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago.
Charges have risen by 465 per cent. A total of 1,347 crimes have been charged this year, 1,109 more than were charged in 2023.
Charges rise
The Force aims to increase its rate by 430 charges in the next nine months, which mean Surrey Police were charging one in every four retail crime offences.
More than a quarter – 27.3 per cent – of all shoplifting reports are now resulting in a ‘solved outcome’, which includes charges, summons, community resolutions and cautions.
Overall, charges for all types of offending in Surrey have more than doubled in a year.
“Retailers are exhausted”
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “The responses we had to our survey demonstrated very clearly the impact that retail crime has on the business community in Surrey.
“Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened. It is not acceptable that anyone trying simply to do their job should be targeted by criminals.
“Retail crime often goes hand-in-hand with other serious offending, including abuse, threats and violence, as well as organised criminality.
“Its victims include every one of us impacted by rising costs, as well as entire communities who feel less safe.
Force ‘on a journey’
“It is vital that it is taken seriously.
“The overall picture in Surrey is one of significant improvement, although there is still a long road ahead to get to where we need to be.
“We are committed to that journey. This type of offending is a priority for Surrey.”
Chief Inspector Andy Hill, of Surrey Police, leads the Force’s response to retail crime.
Work with business community
He said: “We have made positive steps towards tackling retail crime and keeping communities across the county safe.
“However, we want to do more.
“Tackling retail crime is a collective effort, and we are committed to working with the business community to drive out offending.
“While the statistics show we are going in the right direction, it’s important to remember that at the heart of every offence are real victims who may be deeply affected.
“We must continue to do the right thing for every one of them.”
