Tackling retail crime

Devon and Cornwall Crimestoppers and Plymouth and South West Co-operative have joined forces to combat retail crime.

Retail crime can include anything from threatening behaviour, shoplifting, verbal abuse and violence to both customers and retail staff.

Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society, Chief Executive, Douglas Fletcher, explains: “Staff are increasingly faced with an intimidating, abusive or potentially violent situation whilst going about their daily work. We are committed to tackling crime in our stores and working in partnership with organisations such as Crimestoppers, this will enable us to ensure staff and customers feel safe.”

The Co-operative's recent donation of £10,000 will be used to launch an anti-drugs ‘rat on rat' campaign. A high percentage of criminal activity is related to drug dependency which impacts on the retail market sector and the community through criminal activities such as shoplifting and burglary.

Bob Widdecombe, Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Crimestoppers, added: “This generous sponsorship will enable us to organise a high profile Crimestoppers campaign throughout the region in order to combat crime in the community and make the area a safe place to work, shop and live in."