Mansfield police and retailers unite to tackle shoplifting during week of action

Neighbourhood officers have been conducting targeted operations across Nottinghamshire for Safer Business Action Week – a national initiative that brings together police, businesses, and other partners to clamp down on criminals targeting retailers and to help better understand the daily issues they face.

The focus on retail crime saw Nottinghamshire Police conduct daily high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols to target prolific criminals and visit businesses and retailers across the county between November 10 and 14.

It is one part of a comprehensive approach to tackling retail crime by apprehending offenders, supporting victims, and developing strategies to address the root causes of criminality.

This includes addressing the underlying causes of why offenders shoplift by working closely with substance misuse and homelessness organisations to signpost vulnerable people into further support.

In Mansfield, the neighbourhood team conducted a multi-agency operation aimed at targeting shop theft, drug use and dealing, homelessness, and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town centre.

Known as Operation Amberstag, the monthly initiative is conducted over two days in partnership with Mansfield Council’s ASB officers, neighbourhood wardens, Mansfield Business Improvement District, and security teams.

Insp Dan Griffin, Nottinghamshire Police’s business and retail crime lead, said: “We understand the impact of shoplifting and retail crime on businesses, staff, and our communities.

“It is not victimless or against faceless corporations – it affects real people who want to work hard.

“The abuse that staff are subjected to will never be acceptable, and we’re committed to cracking down on prolific criminals and working with companies to disrupt and deter persistent offenders.

“Every day, year-round, our officers work to identify and arrest offenders causing harm and place them before the courts.

“As a force, we recognise the importance of working with our business community and partners to help tackle and prevent retail crime to ensure people feel safer.

“By working together, we can build a clearer picture of offending and develop strategies to target those causing harm while also supporting retail staff.

“Most shoplifting offences are committed by those who are stealing to fund substance misuse, such as drugs and alcohol.

“Organised criminal groups also steal items in bulk to sell for profit.

“We proactively target both groups through arresting offenders or signposting vulnerable people into further support with partner organisations, which is key for disrupting the repeat cycle of offending.

“It is key that support services are available to vulnerable people; however, we will not hesitate to act against those who continue with their criminal behaviour.”

Superintendent Lisa Maslen, lead of the National Business Crime Centre, said: “Safer Business Action Week is a valuable opportunity to focus attention on the challenges businesses face every day, while celebrating the ongoing partnership work taking place across the country.”

“The results we’ve seen from these collaborative efforts show the real impact of bringing together police, local authorities and the business community to reduce harm and create safer places to work and shop.”