Transparency data: Retail Crime Forum: minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees and updated the Forum on Respect Orders and wider government action on retail crime, including recent legislation, sentencing and probation reform, the forthcoming prolific offender pilot, Live Facial Recognition and work to disrupt markets for stolen goods. Discussion covered exclusion zones and licence conditions, information for businesses and victims, local police–retailer engagement, and the need to monitor whether reforms reduce reoffending. Attendees noted early reductions in some forms of retail crime and violence, while recognising that levels remain above those seen before the pandemic.

Police provided an update on the Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy. Attendees welcomed improved investigative outcomes and fewer cases being closed without a suspect, but stressed that progress depends on timely reporting and good-quality CCTV, witness statements and other evidence.

Direct digital reporting is improving data quality in some areas, although smaller businesses may need additional support and retailers would welcome better feedback after reporting incidents. The Forum also discussed Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, sharing loss and shrinkage data, organised retail crime, intelligence sharing and the role of rehabilitation and treatment in reducing reoffending.