Business crime (shoplifting) 2026

Priority initially reviewed and agreed in February 2025. Further reviewed in September 2025, December 2025 as well as February 2026 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

• 4 March 2026
  

  In recent weeks, officers from the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working hard to address business crime in Weston Town Centre and across North Somerset. Two prolific shoplifters were arrested and recalled to prison to complete the remainder of their sentences. We have also applied for Criminal Behaviour Orders for both individuals in order to further manage and prevent their repeat offending.

  It’s an excellent result and sends a clear message that shoplifting will not be tolerated in Weston or across North Somerset. Tackling persistent offenders is crucial – not only to protect businesses, but to safeguard the wider community.

  Shoplifting is often seen as a low‑level offence, but its impact is far‑reaching. For local shops, repeated theft can lead to increased costs, reduced staffing, and in some cases businesses struggling to survive. By taking decisive action against prolific offenders, we help create a safer and more stable trading environment where businesses can thrive rather than constantly absorb the losses caused by crime.

  But the benefits go beyond the business community. When shoplifting is allowed to continue unchecked, prices rise to cover losses and the burden is ultimately passed on to the public. Intervening early and firmly helps prevent that financial impact on everyday shoppers and maintains confidence in our high streets.

  Proactive enforcement also disrupts wider criminality. Shoplifting is often linked to other issues such as substance misuse, organised theft groups, and anti‑social behaviour. By taking strong action, officers are not just addressing individual incidents – they are reducing the conditions that allow other forms of crime and disorder to develop.

   

• 10 February 2026
  

  Actions since last review:

  02/12/2025

  As we approach the festive season, shoplifting incidents often increase, which can have serious consequences for local businesses and the wider community. To tackle this, local NPTs teams across North Somerset will be running an internal operation that includes additional high-visibility patrols in major shopping areas of Weston-super-Mare. Officers will be engaging with shopkeepers, providing reassurance, and responding swiftly to any reports of theft.

  This proactive approach is about more than just preventing crime – it’s about protecting our communities from the ripple effects of shoplifting. When businesses suffer losses, it can lead to higher prices for customers and, in some cases, even the closure of local shops. By working together to reduce theft, we help ensure that our communities continue to thrive, with affordable goods and vibrant local shopping areas.

  Alongside these visible patrols, we will continue to investigate shoplifting offences, focusing on the most prolific offenders. Where appropriate, we will seek interventions and apply measures aimed at managing and reducing their repeat offending. This combined approach of prevention and enforcement is designed to safeguard local businesses and maintain a strong, resilient community.

  13/12/2025

  December and the start of 2026 proved to be an exceptionally busy period for the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by colleagues from the Neighbourhood Tasking Team, as we focused on tackling business crime.

  In total, six prolific shoplifters were arrested and charged in connection with over 50 shoplifting offences. One offender received a Criminal Behaviour Order lasting three years, while others were handed custodial and suspended sentences. We also recovered designer perfumes worth £2,100 and carried out more than 80 hours of high-visibility patrols in key shopping areas, engaging with businesses and providing a strong deterrent to criminal activity.

  These results highlight our unwavering commitment to keeping the public safe and protecting local businesses. Bringing offenders to justice is not only about accountability – it reassures the community that crime will not be tolerated. Achieving these outcomes on top of our day-to-day responsibilities demonstrates the dedication and resilience of our teams. Despite the constant demands of routine policing, we continue to deliver proactive enforcement, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and build strong partnerships to maintain public confidence and create a safer environment for everyone.

  27/01/2026

  Few weeks ago a prolific offender Ashley Watson was arrested by the Weston Town Centre Team and charged with 34 counts of shop theft. He appeared at Magistrates’ Court on 13 January 2026, where he was issued a 24‑week suspended sentence along with a three‑year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

  However, just hours after leaving court, Watson entered the Co‑Op and stole a £6 pizza – immediately breaching his CBO.

  He was quickly located and arrested by our North Somerset Neighbourhood Tasking Team, and returned to court today (16 January 2026).

  The court activated the original 24‑week sentence and imposed a further 26 weeks for the new theft and the CBO breach, resulting in a total custodial sentence of 50 weeks.

  Our message is clear: those who continue to offend and show disregard for court orders will be found, arrested, and brought before the courts.