A retail crime crackdown is being proactively supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to tackle retail crime, anti-social behaviour and other offences affecting businesses, staff, customers and communities. 

Safer Business Action Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) and is taking place this week, coincides with the launch of Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) to offer a more collaborative and effective approach to reducing retail crime. 

It brings together individual BCRPs and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) so that while still remaining independent, they can share vital information and intelligence they have gathered across the region to help identify and track prolific offenders who offend across multiple areas and share timely alerts. 

Those signed up to Devon, Cornwall and IOS BCRP will continue to deliver their own priorities, but will now benefit from a secure, shared intelligence platform linking to neighbouring areas, access to regional analysis and police support for prolific offenders, and a stronger collective voice when engaging with large retail members and national partners. 

The aim is to reduce the fear of crime, work together to alert each other of risks and prevent crime, and provide businesses/ members with training, guidance and support. 

The Commissioner is funding introductory schemes for businesses to sign up to new systems to make it easier to report incidents. It includes the continuation of impactful efforts being delivered through business crime reduction partnership UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC). 

It is initially funded by the OPCC for 12 months and enables traders to report any crime in just a few minutes via an app or online portal and share intelligence among the business community. UKPAC analysts can then build robust cases ready for prosecution. 

To date, nearly 250 national and independent business and charities across Devon and Cornwall have signed up to UKPAC. Big chains benefiting from the initiative include Spar, B&M, Matalan and Frasers Group – which owns stores including Sports Direct, GAME and Jack Wills.  

Since it was first introduced as a pilot in Torquay and then expanded into other areas including Saltash, Liskeard, Barnstaple and Teignmouth, the police have secured five convictions against repeat offenders, including custodial sentences and compensation orders. 

Yesterday, November 13, the OPCC and UKPAC hosted events in Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot for businesses to learn more about BCRP and UKPAC, and how it can make a vital difference to combat crime. 

Newton Abbot is the latest town which has signed up to UKPAC and will continue to be rolled out across the peninsula. Areas using other schemes – which provide different services – can continue to do so but with the added benefits of everyone being able to share vital information as part of Devon, Cornwall and IOS BCRP. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “My office remains committed to tackling retail crime, ASB and violence through UKPAC, but the introduction of 

Devon, Cornwall and IOS BCRP takes that one step further by combining collective local efforts to combat retail crime into one joined-up network. 

“It will ensure intelligence and activities are widely shared in a timely manner among businesses and the police. 

“Businesses will experience the benefits of joined-up intelligence and partnership working with no cost and no obligation to continue after the 12-month trial period. 

“I am delighted that UKPAC is now being funded by my office for a year in Newton Abbot. I encourage other local areas to get in touch with my office for more details because we are committed to delivering it to those who want it.” 

During Safer Business Action Week, police action includes high visibility patrols incorporating hotspots, active engagement with shop workers and the public offering crime prevention advice, proactive arrest enquiries and targeted operations. 

Strategic Business Crime Lead T/Chief Superintendent Antony Hart, said: “The proactive engagement planned this week isn’t a one-off; the work to protect businesses continues throughout the year. The national week of action is an opportunity for us to continue to raise awareness of the work police do, along with our local partners, to keep communities safe.” 

In 2024, Safer Business Action Week saw significant results, including more than 750 arrests across the country. 

• Businesses interested in joining Devon, Cornwall and IOS BCRP should contact their Business Improvement District or local Chamber of Commerce for further information 

• For more information about UKPAC and to sign up visit https://uk-pac.com/    

• For further help and advice on business safety please visit Business crime prevention | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)  

• Practical help and support to victims of crime is available from the Devon and Cornwall Victim Care Unit and Victim Support. For more information visit https://victimcare-dc.org/