The Commissioner recognises that theft and retail crime can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses and local economies. From shoplifting and business crime to organised theft and repeat offending, these offences can affect community confidence, place pressure on retailers and make people feel less safe in their local areas.
Through the Police and Crime Plan, the Commissioner is supporting a partnership approach to tackling theft, bringing together police, businesses, local authorities and community organisations to prevent offending, improve information sharing and strengthen enforcement activity. Particular focus is being given to repeat offenders, organised criminality and offences that cause the greatest harm to communities and businesses.
Through the Street Focus project, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations including UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) and the Devon & Cornwall Business Crime Reduction Partnership (DC:BCRP), which help businesses and police share intelligence, identify prolific offenders and coordinate responses to retail and business crime. These partnerships play an important role in supporting local businesses, improving reporting and helping to prevent offences before they occur.
Alongside enforcement, the Commissioner supports prevention and problem-solving approaches that help businesses protect themselves from crime, improve community safety and reduce opportunities for offending. This includes promoting good business security, encouraging the reporting of theft offences and supporting initiatives that strengthen collaboration between retailers, town centre partners and neighbourhood policing teams.
By combining prevention, enforcement and partnership working, the Commissioner is committed to reducing theft, supporting victims and businesses, and helping create safer, more resilient communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
