Police and partners working together to prevent retail crime this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, we remain committed to preventing retail crime and keeping shopping areas safe by working closely with local retailers and partners during one of the busiest times of the year.

This work also supports the Home Office’s Winter of Action, a continuation of the Safer Streets Summer initiative.

Retail crime includes offences such as shoplifting, and abuse or intimidation of shop workers. It can involve opportunistic theft, such as taking items without paying, or organised criminal groups targeting high value goods. These crimes don’t just affect businesses, they impact staff, customers, and communities.

Often increasing in the run-up to Christmas, with busy shopping areas and high-value goods making stores attractive targets for retail crime. While many see Christmas as a time for giving, some see it as an opportunity to take. The impact goes far beyond the shop floor, it creates a ripple effect of harm affecting business owners, staff, and ultimately customers.

Hear more from Chief Inspector Alasdair Booth, force lead for retail crime.