SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has moved to “myth-bust” claims that police won’t investigate lower-value shoplifting incidents – after joining an undercover sting at an East Surrey supermarket.
Lisa Townsend said “persistent rumours” that police will fail to respond to incidents where the total value of items stolen is less than £200 are “categorically untrue”.
The Commissioner joined a recent plain-clothes operation to tackle shoplifting at Sainsbury’s in Redhill. During the initiative, a suspected offender was detained after allegedly stealing items worth just £7.50.
While Surrey has some of the lowest levels of shoplifting in the country, reports rose by 26 per cent between December 2022 and 2023. The figure is reflective of national trends.
Myth-busting
The Force uses uniformed patrols in hotspots, plain-clothes operations and public engagement to tackle shoplifting.
Their approach has resulted in a number of recent successes.
Within recent months, the work of a single officer who was initially tasked with investigating shoplifting at a branch of Tesco in Guildford uncovered an alleged two years of offending by a gang based in Essex. Six people have now been charged with a total of 86 offences for conspiracy to commit theft from a shop.
Lisa was quizzed on Surrey Police’s response to the offence during a meeting with Dorking’s Business Improvement District.
The Commissioner said: “For many years now, there has been a persistent rumour that police will only investigate reports of shoplifting where the value exceeds £200.
“This is categorically untrue, and it’s time to myth-bust this particular story.
“It is true that police may not visit a business immediately, depending on the threat or risk or harm reported.
“However, the Chief Constable has been clear that ultimately, he wants to see all reports investigated, whether the loss is £5 or £5,000.
“I recently watched as a suspected shoplifter was arrested on suspicion of stealing items worth just £7.50.
‘We take it very seriously’
“Reports of shoplifting are rising throughout the UK.
We know that much of this increase is fuelled by organised gangs who are stealing to order, targeting higher-value items to sell on to members of the public struggling with the cost of living.
“Shoplifting also often goes hand-in-hand with violence, threats and abuse directed at retail staff.
“It’s crucial that Surrey Police, as well as every other force in the country, treats these offences with the seriousness they deserve.”