ACS

ACS presented Philip Dunne MP with their submission to the Conservative Retail Crime Commission at their Crime Prevention Forum yesterday.

The Conservative Retail Crime Commission, chaired by Mr Dunne, has consulted retailers as they draw up policy in this area. Mr Dunne also used the Forum as an opportunity to discuss with retailers the issues they face dealing with crime on daily basis.

Philip Dunne MP said: “I am surprised at the lack of concern about retail crime, not just among Government, but among the public as well. The evidence we have received has made it clear that shop crime is committed overwhelmingly to support drug use. Our Commission is looking to make recommendations for policies to reduce this blight within our communities. The Conservatives are already committed to increase the number of drug rehabilitation places dramatically, which will help cut shop crime.”

On punishment Mr Dunne said: “In many cases the Police are not using their existing powers to search the property and vehicles of shop thieves. Although on-the-spot fines could be useful for first time offenders, there needs to be a wider use of community sentences to deal with persistent shop thieves.”

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Policy on retail crime needs to reflect the importance of local shops. Too often retail crime is wrongly dismissed as a victimless crime, when it has a significant impact not only on the business and its owners, but on the wider community as well.

“We welcome the fact that Philip Dunne has continued to work with ACS to ensure that Conservative retail crime policy reflects the input of retailers.”

The forum also had presentations from Tim Pearce from Plymouth and South West Co-op, Mark Wilson from the Fraser Group and Jim Gibson from The Loss Prevention Company who also sponsored the event.

ACS’ submission focuses on policy surrounding shop theft sanctions, sanctions for drive-off offences and the effective use of anti-social behaviour powers. The Commission will continue to gather evidence from retailers until the end of February. The findings are expected to be published in April.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. The ACS submission to the Conservative retail Crime Commission is available here.
3. Loss Prevention Company can be found here.