Shoplifting Surge Prompts Police Action in Devon and Cornwall: Report Every Incident

Police Urge Businesses to Help Tackle Shoplifting This Festive Season

Devon & Cornwall Police are calling on local businesses to report all incidents of shoplifting, highlighting the importance of collaboration in reducing theft during the busy festive period. Officers will work alongside Community Safety partners, local council CCTV teams, and members of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to create safer shopping environments.

Increased Presence in Town Centres

Uniformed officers will patrol town centres, night shopping events, and Christmas markets, targeting shoplifting hotspots and identifying prolific offenders. This proactive approach aims to reduce theft and support local businesses, particularly in key areas such as Exeter City Centre.

Joe Champness, the crime prevention lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, emphasised the importance of reporting all incidents:
“We are aware how much shoplifting can impact our business communities and we are urging business owners to report incidents to us as it helps create a profile and understand where our resources are best placed. We use that information to coordinate our response in dealing with those causing the most harm and risk.”

National Increase in Shoplifting

National figures show a worrying 37% rise in shoplifting, with Devon & Cornwall Police determined to tackle the issue locally. Neighbourhood teams are engaging with retailers, conducting plain-clothes operations, and maintaining visible patrols in known hotspots.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez acknowledged the financial and emotional strain theft places on businesses:
“I know that shoplifting is a real issue across our two counties, with traders often telling me and my team about the difficulty of dealing with the financial and emotional consequences of theft.
“This is why I have made theft in our towns and cities a priority in my next Police and Crime Plan, asking Devon & Cornwall Police to have an increased focus on reducing theft and shoplifting on our high streets.
“I welcome this operation by our local policing teams to help our business community to feel safe and I join them in encouraging traders to report crime every single time to help police build a true picture of offending and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

How to Report Shoplifting

Devon & Cornwall Police urge businesses to report shoplifting online, via the non-emergency 101 service, or anonymously through Crimestoppers. For crime prevention advice, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website. Businesses can also sign up for the free Devon and Cornwall Alert system to receive crime prevention updates and warnings of local trends.

By working together, businesses and police can help reduce shoplifting and its impact on communities this Christmas.