WIREDGOV

APCC Joint Business and Retail Crime leads, Andy Dunbobbin and Katy Bourne OBE responded to the government’s announcement of a Prolific Retail Offender Pilot to be rolled out across up to 16 forces

“We welcome the Home Office’s announcement which builds on the achievements of the landmark Pegasus partnership, the business and police collaboration that radically improved the way retailers were able to share intelligence to tackle organised retail crime, shoplifting gangs and cross-border acquisitive crime which has now been fully integrated into OPAL.

“Through ongoing national partnerships, legislative reform, robust intelligence-sharing frameworks and dedicated high street enforcement, the fight against retail crime continues to build momentum with real, tangible impact.

“PCCs and Deputy Mayors are keen to support this work as it develops and will be integral to the whole-system approach to tackling retail crime, while spearheading innovative local activity to target prolific repeat offenders and streamline the burden of submitting evidence for business owners.”

“We also continue to work closely with police and retailers through the OPAL partnership which has radically improved the way retailers are able to share intelligence and identify and tackle the groups involved.”

Editors’ notes:

• Katy Bourne OBE is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex 
• Andy Dunbobbin is the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales