Retailers in Trowbridge are being urged to join a new ShopWatch group aimed at combating a 30 per cent rise in shoplifting.

The call comes from Wiltshire Police and Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce who have joined forces in a bid to help retailers combat people taking part in retail crime.

Inspector Andy Lemon, of the Trowbridge, Melksham and Bradford on Avon Neighbourhood Policing Team, has written to all retailers in the town asking them to join the new ShopWatch operational retail group.

The group was launched at an event at the Trowbridge Civic Centre on Tuesday, November 5.

Members of the retail sector in Trowbridge meet with police to form a new ShopWatch Operational Retail Group in a bid to combat the increase in shoplifting. Members of the retail sector in Trowbridge meet with police to form a new ShopWatch Operational Retail Group in a bid to combat the increase in shoplifting. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Inspector Lemon said: “According to the Office of National Statistics, we are seeing a 30 per cent increase year-on-year in shoplifting offences.

“One of my key local priorities is the reduction of retail theft and an increase in successful prosecutions.

“Wiltshire Police would like to hear from all retailers to become part of a new operational retail group that will meet regularly.

“The purpose is to give retailers a voice and influence local policing but will not be an opportunity to discuss individuals or specific incidents.”

The move follows a commitment by the new Labour Government to introduce a new standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker.

Along with the national increase in shoplifting, there has been a rise in the number of shopworkers being assaulted by criminals committing retail theft offences.

In discussion: Wiltshire Police Sgt Charly Chilton with Kez Garner, chair of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, and Jayne Reid, of The Shires shopping centre in Trowbridge, talk about the increase in shoplifting. In discussion: Wiltshire Police Sgt Charly Chilton with Kez Garner, chair of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, and Jayne Reid, of The Shires shopping centre in Trowbridge, talk about the increase in shoplifting. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Kez Garner, chair Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, said: “Following the successful launch of the Trowbridge PubWatch group, we have now had our first meeting of a ShopWatch group bringing shops, cafes and salons together with police to combat retail crime.

“We discussed problems and possible solutions, starting with encouraging all retailers to report every single incidence of retail crime online so we can work towards tackling the hotspots.”

 

Hosted by the Civic Centre, and chaired by Kez Garner, the inaugural meeting was attended by local managers and security company representatives from some of the town’s largest retailers, including Asda, Tesco, Superdrug, Specsavers and The Shires shopping centre.

Representatives from Wiltshire Police; Philip Wilkinson, the Police and Crime Commission for Swindon and Wiltshire; Cllr Stephen Cooper, the Mayor of Trowbridge, and Cllr David Vigar, who chairs Trowbridge Town Council’s Safer Streets Trowbridge working group, also attended.

Mr Wilkinson has placed a renewed focus on retail crime in the first draft of his Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029.

He said: “I have spoken to shop managers and small to medium business owners, who have made it clear to me that they want to something done about the criminals who are having a profound effect on their ability to survive in the current financial climate.

“It is also clear that people who work in retail should feel they can go into work without the fear of being assaulted or abused.

“I’m aware of situations in Wiltshire where this has happened, and I want anyone who works in the retail industry to know that my team is working with Wiltshire Police and our partners to make your working environment safer, and to make you feel safer.”

If you are a retailer operating in Wiltshire or Swindon and would like to join your local Shop Watch scheme, get in touch with your local neighbourhood policing team, Chamber of Commerce, or sign up via the Wiltshire Police Community Messaging website.

To learn more about retail crime prevention, visit  wiltshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-business-safe-from-crime/