Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign in Northampton to tackle the rising issue of shoplifting and its impact on local businesses, staff, and the wider community.
The four-week campaign, led by Crimestoppers and supported by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Northampton Retail Crime Initiative - managed by Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership and Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, aims to empower the community to speak out anonymously against shoplifters.
The initiative is hoping to highlight he real impact of shoplifting on shop workers, particularly around abuse and intimidation, the cost to local businesses, which can lead to reduced hours, closures, and job losses and the importance of community support in tackling crime, including how to report anonymously to Crimestoppers.
If you’re in the area, look out for the scheme’s AdVan, which will tour Northampton town centre on 2 August, displaying community messages urging residents to take a stand.
Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers’ East Midlands regional manager, said: “I understand the significant impact that retail crime has not just on businesses but on the wider community. Our high streets should be safe for everyone.
“In Northamptonshire, we’re committed to tackling retail crime by working together. That’s why I’m pleased to support this partnership initiative to encourage people to report shoplifting, and anyone they suspect of selling stolen goods.”
Stone added: “Shoplifting is often casually dismissed as a victimless crime, but in reality it’s quite the opposite. High rates of shoplifting equate to rising prices, something that hits us all in the pocket every time we get to the till.
“This campaign shines a light on the reality of retail crime, the impact it has on hard-working shop staff and the cost to businesses at a time when many are already feeling the pinch of financial pressures elsewhere.”
Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre (BID), concluded: “The NBCP supports retailers across Northants helping to prevent theft, identify and bring offenders to justice. We see first-hand the impact that shop theft has on staff working in retail - it makes staff retention difficult and the small profit margins in some outlets are wiped out.
“I’d encourage anyone with information on offenders and their disposal of the stolen goods to report via Crimestoppers so we can focus on those persons and places. If any retailers need support, contact us on info@retailcrime.org – we’re here to help you.”
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