Business Crime (Shoplifting)

Retail theft remains a significant issue across the country, with businesses—from small independent shops to large national retailers—losing hundreds to thousands of pounds each week.

Despite preventative measures such as employing security staff and installing CCTV systems, these efforts are often insufficient to deter the most prolific offenders. The local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is actively reviewing reports to identify and target repeat offenders. However, we are aware that many incidents go unreported, often due to varying policies and procedures across businesses.

We strongly encourage all retailers to report every instance of shoplifting and to support investigations by providing CCTV footage and witness statements. Timely and consistent reporting is vital in helping us build strong cases and take effective action.

In addition to pursuing criminal investigations, the NPT is working closely with the Anti-Social Behaviour Team to implement alternative interventions aimed at disrupting persistent offending. One such measure currently being used is the issuance of Community Protection Warnings (CPWs), which form part of a broader strategy to address repeat offending and protect local businesses.

Actions

• 13 August 2025
  

  On Friday 18th July, the Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted foot patrols along Portishead High Street and distributed leaflets to all local businesses. These leaflets outlined some of the challenges we and our colleagues in the Desktop-Based Investigation Team (DBIT) face when progressing investigations — particularly the lack of formal reports, CCTV footage, and supporting witness statements.

  Thanks to the information and evidence we have received so far, we have issued Community Protection Warnings to two individuals in the Portishead area. These are part of a wider toolkit being actively used across the Avon and Somerset policing area. For example, five Criminal Behaviour Orders were recently issued in Weston-super-Mare, and one in Bristol.

  If your business would like to discuss the contents of the leaflet or
  seek further advice, please get in touch.