This week, I met senior Cheltenham police officers for a briefing on Gloucestershire Police’s new approach to tackling shoplifting.
Levels of crime are low in our town compared to the national average, and overall crime is down significantly in England and Wales over the last decade. But I want it to see it come down further still. Even so-called petty crime is soul-destroying for small business owners who put in long hours to establish themselves and make a living.
Everything possible must be done to protect the independent businesses and shops which are such an important part of Cheltenham’s vibrancy and appeal, from Bath Road to the Suffolks.
That’s why I have been working with ministerial colleagues on the introduction of a Shoplifting Action Plan to catch more shoplifters. This new approach includes a police commitment to prioritise attending the scene of shoplifting where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence.
In addition, a specialist new police team is being set up to improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence to help police better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders.
Here in Cheltenham, prolific local offenders are being given criminal behaviour orders with exclusion zones banning them from the High Street or even certain shops. Their whereabouts can then be monitored through GPS tags that will alert the police if they breach the terms of the order. That in turn can lead to a prison sentence.
In addition, those released from prison following a sentence for theft, burglary or robbery can now be tagged by probation staff to keep a much closer eye on the whereabouts of offenders under their supervision – meaning they are better able to prevent ex-criminals from falling back into a life of crime.
The plan is working, with Gloucestershire Police stating that shoplifting is coming down following an intensive targeted operation against well-known shoplifters.
I strongly welcome these efforts. As a community, let’s stand up for the entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the lifeblood of our town.