Business crime (shoplifting)

Priority initially reviewed and agreed in February 2025. Further reviewed in September 2025 and still remains our local priority.

Small local shops and large retailers/supermarkets lose hundreds to thousands of pounds every week due to theft, which is a major problem across the country.

The quality of CCTV systems have improved considerably in recent years and many shops employ part time/full time security guards to deter any potential opportunists, however this does not stop the most prolific offenders.

Town Centre NPT have been working with local retailers and analysing crime data, which led to identification of top 5 most prolific shoplifters affecting businesses not only in the Town Centre area, but across whole of Weston super Mare.

Investigation into offences committed by these individuals is ongoing as well as background work with local Anti Social Behaviour Team in order to compile evidence package towards ASB interventions available to police disposal in an attempt to tackle their prolific offending.

Actions

• 7 October 2025
  

  Tackling Business Crime and Keeping Communities Safe

  Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), working in close partnership with our colleagues from the Neighbourhood Tasking Team, have successfully arrested two prolific shoplifters who have been causing significant disruption to local businesses. Between them, they were charged with a total of seven shop thefts, reflecting a persistent pattern of offending that has impacted retailers and the wider community.

  One individual has been remanded in custody and will appear at Bristol Crown Court for an unrelated matter, while the second is due to appear at North Somerset Magistrates Court on 3rd November for sentencing.

  These arrests are part of our ongoing commitment to tackling business crime, which remains a key priority for our teams. Shoplifting and other forms of retail crime not only affect the financial wellbeing of businesses but also contribute to feelings of insecurity among staff, shoppers, and residents. By identifying and targeting repeat offenders, we aim to reduce the harm caused and support a safer, more resilient town centre.

  We continue to work closely with local businesses, sharing intelligence and providing reassurance through visible patrols and proactive enforcement. Our efforts are focused on:

  • Reducing repeat offending through targeted interventions and court action.
  • Supporting victims of business crime, including shop owners and staff.
  • Improving public confidence by demonstrating that crime will not go unchecked.
  • Creating safer spaces for people to live, work, and shop.

  These arrests send a clear message: we will not tolerate criminal behaviour that undermines our communities. We thank the public and our partners for their continued support and encourage anyone with information about business crime to report it to us.

• 23 September 2025
  

  Prolific Shoplifter Arrested and Charged Following Joint Efforts

  Our colleagues from the Neighbourhood Tasking Team have arrested a prolific shoplifter who has been a persistent source of concern for local businesses. The individual was interviewed and charged with three counts of shoplifting, with an additional eleven offences to be taken into consideration at North Somerset Magistrates Court this October.

  At the time of the offences, the individual was in breach of a Community Protection Notice previously issued to deter further criminal behaviour.

  In response, the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, in collaboration with our Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team, is compiling a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) application. This measure is reserved for the most prolific offenders who have failed to comply with previous interventions, bail conditions, and for whom custodial sentences have not proven effective.

  We remain committed to tackling business crime in Weston, bringing offenders to justice, and ensuring our shops, businesses, and communities feel safe — and are safe.

• 3 September 2025
  

  Our colleagues from the local Neighbourhood Tasking Team have had a very busy and productive couple of weeks, contributing towards our work around prolific shoplifting. 2 nominals (from our original top 5 of prolific shoplifters in North Somerset) have been arrested for a number of shoplifting offences and recalled to prison after previously being released early on licence.

  Another top 5 offender has also also been arrested and forensically linked to more serious offences. He is likely to receive a lengthy custodial sentence. We will try and provide an update after the court hearing.

  This is a fantastic result and gets to show that crime does not pay.