Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, and Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, are today asking members of the business community to have their say on the impact of retail crime.
It is recognised that retail crime has a significant impact in Surrey, and both the Commissioner and the Chief Constable are determined to deal with offenders robustly and listen closely to concerns.
You can find a link to the survey HERE.
While every effort has been made to share the survey with as many people as possible, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has urged recipients to share the link within their networks to allow us to hear from anyone who would like to respond.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Retail crime is far from a ‘victimless crime’. It leads to fear and loss across a whole network from business owners to employees and customers – who are all part of a community we are here to protect.
“We are committed to tackling retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops. To do so, we rely on thefts being reported so that we can identify hotspots and trends, act swiftly, and prevent crime from happening and catch the offenders where it does occur.
“Pursuing all appropriate avenues to identify offenders, collect evidence, recover stolen property, ensure witnesses are located and interviewed, and get these crimes to court, is a priority for our officers.
“Work continues to deal robustly with offenders of retail crime. We have made great strides in this area, but there is more to do. With your help, I am sure that we can improve even more.”
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “Retail crime can impact entire communities.
“As well as the economic, emotional and sometimes physical harm caused, this criminality can make those who live and work in Surrey feel less safe.
“Reports of retail crime are rising, not only in Surrey, but around the country. However, we are pleased to say that arrests, convictions and out-of-court interventions for retail crime are improving.
“There is more work to do and I urge Surrey’s business community to share their thoughts in our survey.”