ACS

ACS has welcomed the publication of recommendations by the Conservative Commission on Retail Crime.

The Commission report published today has made ten recommendations relating to sentencing, reporting and enforcement against retail crime.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Retail crime costs millions of pounds, harms livelihoods and causes increased costs and loss of services for customers and communities. This Commission has shone a light on the problem of retail crime and come up with solutions that would make a difference.

“The Commission’s ten proposals show that they listened closely to the concerns of retailers. The proposals on penalties can assist in toughening the deterrents to shop theft and the call for better reporting of retail crimes will provide Police and Government better information on the scale of the problem. The persistent lack of sufficient information has been a barrier for too long.

“These proposals, along with recent Government actions on on-the-spot fines and funding for investment in security equipment, show that policy makers are recognising that this is a crime that affects victims both within the industry and the communities they serve.”

The Commission’s report is now handed to the Conservative Home Affairs team and will be considered for inclusion in Conservative Party Policy.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. The Commission report is available at http://www.retailcrimecommission.org.uk/. The Commission has outlined 10 recommendations:

1. A community-led retail crime reduction priority is established with Home Office support.
2. Each Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership should have an obligation to consult businesses in their area as part of the formulation of a specific business / retail crime strategy.
3. Police are obliged to record where crime occurs in retail premises and to include this in monthly reports and crime mapping.
4. Local police forces should be encouraged to collaborate and share information to address cross-border criminal activity.
5. The Audit Commission takes responsibility for identifying and encouraging the spread of best practice in local crime reduction initiatives.
6. Police are given the powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and the causes of delinquent behaviour that may manifest in theft or vandalism to business.
7. Greater emphasis should be given to intervening early to deal with the underlying causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.
8. Community based sanctions are used where appropriate for first time offences, helping restore confidence to the public and social responsibility among perpetrators.
9. The existing sanctions regime should be reformed so that Fixed Penalty Notices are only used for first time offences and are recorded to ensure repeat offenders are identified.
10. Persistent offenders should receive custodial sentences, but prisons should have a responsibility for rehabilitation and they and providers of rehabilitation services should be paid according to their success in preventing criminals offending again.

3. ACS continues to encourage retailers to apply for funding to invest in capital equipment – grants are available to stores located in a range of places around the country. More details visit http://grantsadmin.co.uk/smallretailerscapitalfund/