A week of action to crackdown on shoplifting and other business crime as well as prevent offending in future is being backed by Nottinghamshire Police.
The force is shining a spotlight on its ongoing commitment to support our shops, bars, restaurants and other venues by supporting the National Business Crime Centre’s initiative which begins today (Monday 17 October 2022).
The week of action will see officers and our partners working together to hold targeted operations in Nottingham city centre and our town centres to engage with businesses and raise awareness of business crime in communities.
As well as tackling some of the most prolific offenders, officers will also take part in proactive patrols in specific areas, and make proactive visits to businesses most affected by crime, which will receive a crime prevention visit from crime prevention officers to provide assessment and advice.
Inspector Oliver Vale, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As a force we have an ongoing commitment to work with our partners to tackle the issue of business crime.
“Reducing the misery caused by retail crime, both financially for business owners and emotionally for shop staff impacted by these incidents, is a key priority for Nottinghamshire Police.
“Business crime also helps to fund other crime activity and can have a massive impact on the wider economy, especially at a time when inflation is soaring and small businesses are feeling the pinch.
“We will take robust action against those who target hardworking shop staff and businesses in our communities.”
During the week of action, running until Sunday 23 October 2022, some of the activities taking place include:
– Online Sessions – businesses will be taking part in crime prevention sessions to understand how best to protect their businesses from becoming victims of crime;
– Enforcement – Policing teams will be looking to arrest and process prolific and outstanding offenders;
– Diversion – Funding has been secured to look at diversion opportunities for lose who are in a crime cycle and are looking to turn their lives around through rehabilitation;
– Engagement – Engagement with local business districts to see how we can continue to support them.
Operations will involve neighbourhood policing teams and officers from Operation Reacher.
Inspector Vale said: “The week of action is an opportunity to bring police and partners together to tackle the key issues of business crime. “It will allow us to engage with businesses and find ways to help reduce and prevent offending in future.”
Businesses trading on high streets and town centres are also encouraged to get involved and display the ShopKind messaging in their stores. All the ShopKind materials are free to download here.
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