Shoplifting crackdown by police

Hampshire Police are putting a stop to shoplifting it is a "priority"

A police force has said it is committed to answering calls from business owners to “crackdown” on shoplifting.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police reported an 83.3% increase in outcomes for victims of retail crime.

It follows the launch of the Retail Crime Action Plan and introduction of city centre units last year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “In the past, this crime has not been given the attention or priority it deserves.”

A force-wide initiative - Operation Stopall, tackles the most prolific retail offenders by working with the community to gather evidence on repeat offenders.

The initiative has enabled officers to improve their response by building stronger cases which result in fewer court hearings because offenders are pleading guilty at the first opportunity, the force said.

Of 248 offences reported, 10 offenders have been charged with 176 offences and five individuals under investigation for another 72 offences.

Ms Jones said: "Our commitment is clear; shoplifting will not be tolerated, it will be investigated."

Ms Jones said: “Shoplifting across all communities has been increasing for several years. In the past, this crime has not been given the attention or priority it deserves.

“The public have rightly been concerned about the lack of action and the blatant attitude of prolific offenders and organised crime gangs stealing, often without attempting to conceal their theft.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “It is not acceptable for retail staff to come to work and fear criminality, anti-social behaviour or violence.

“If left unchecked, we know that retail crime can put shops out of business, causing people to lose their jobs and lead to a deterioration of the local area.

“The increase in reports shows that the business community now has more confidence to report incidents to us because we will take action."