Retail crime action continues with more arrests, increased attendance, and multi-agency work

GMP is continuing to use all resources available to tackle the issue of shoplifting across each district, producing further positive results and outcomes over the last year.

This has seen an increase in arrests, crime recording, and attendance at shoplifting incidents.

Between 01/08/23 – 31/07/24, as compared to the same period between 2022 and 2023, officers secured 50% more arrests in relation to shoplifting, up to approximately 3,000, with an additional increase in prioritised attendance at incidents which turned violent or involved prolific offenders.

In addition, there has been an increase in positive / solved outcomes, with various neighbourhood teams across Greater Manchester securing thousands of charges.

The positive statistics come on the back of a range of new initiatives and schemes across Greater Manchester that have been enacted by numerous teams.

This includes the allocation of a retail crime single point of contact for each district (at Inspector level), the set-up of a retail crime steering group to share best practice, and Community Safety Partnership dedicated leads to support multi-agency problem solving.

GMP has continued to support Safer Business Action (SaBA) days of action, with further weeks planned before the end of the year. Additionally, local teams regularly support #ShopKind, a national scheme aimed at promoting respect towards shopworkers.

Our commitment to tackling shoplifters by preventing and deterring their offending will continue with enforcement and partnership work in local communities, while seeking to arrest and charge where appropriate.

Chief Inspector Cara Charlesworth, force lead for retail crime, said: “Beginning this year with our retail crime symposium has shown our intent to work in lockstep with retailers across every area of Greater Manchester.

“We are dedicated to working with retailers across every district, from small corner shops to multi-national supermarkets – if you have a problem, your local team will do what they can to assist. Our specialist crime prevention team can provide up to date crime-busting material and advice, and our neighbourhood officers can share best practice.

“If you are having a problem, please do get in touch with us, as we use all the data we receive to measure where and when we are needed. Every week, our teams make arrests and secure charges for shoplifting, and will continue to do so.”