Local Shoplifting Update

Local Shoplifting Update

You raised shoplifting as a concern, so here’s a quick local update.

Local police officers and PCSOs have been more visible on Penge High Street due to reports of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. We will continue to maintain a high-visibility presence in the area, carrying out regular patrols, engaging with local businesses, and addressing concerns raised by residents and retailers. If you have any information regarding crime or anti-social behaviour, please speak to a local officer or contact police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

The Met is cracking down on street crime, like shoplifting, people doing drugs and phone-snatching. 

We’ve put hundreds more officers on the frontlines of community crime-fighting teams, upping visible patrols in the right ‘hot spots’ so we can deter and catch criminals.

We’re now arresting more than 1,000 extra criminals every month and seeing ‘neighbourhood crime’ down 14%.

But we know there is more to do. That’s why we’re stepping up our use of technology, increasing our operations and working with retailers to make it less appealing for criminals to commit these crimes in the first place.

If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. 

For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter.

We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November.