NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING WEEK OF ACTION - RETAIL CRIME

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING WEEK OF ACTION - RETAIL CRIME

Dear Residents.

Today, your Saddleworth & Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team has been out across the area engaging directly with local businesses as part of the ongoing Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action.

Officers and PCSOs have visited a wide range of retail premises to provide crime prevention advice, reassurance, and practical security guidance in relation to retail crime. This includes measures such as improving store layout, use of CCTV, staff awareness, reporting practices, and partnership working with police.

Retail Crime – The Bigger Picture

Retail crime remains a key issue both nationally and across Greater Manchester. Offences such as shoplifting, harassment of staff, and organised retail theft continue to impact businesses, staff safety, and the wider community.

In Greater Manchester, police continue to see:

An increase in repeat offending, often linked to wider issues such as substance misuse and acquisitive crime

Growing reports of organised shop theft, where groups target multiple stores

Retail staff being subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation

Within Saddleworth & Lees, we are fortunate that levels remain comparatively lower than more urban areas. However:

Shoplifting incidents do occur, particularly targeting convenience stores and smaller retailers

Some offenders travel into the area believing it to be a softer target

Underreporting can give a false picture and impacts our ability to respond effectively

Why Reporting Matters

We want to be clear: every report counts. If offences are not reported:

We cannot accurately assess local demand

Resources may not be allocated where they are needed most

Offenders are less likely to be identified and brought to justice

We are actively working with businesses to build intelligence and take action against offenders, including repeat and prolific individuals.

How to Report Retail Crime

We are encouraging all businesses, staff, and members of the public to report incidents such as shoplifting, attempted theft, or suspicious behaviour:

Call 101

Report online via Greater Manchester Police website

In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, always dial 999

Please provide as much detail as possible, including descriptions, CCTV availability, and any known patterns.

Our Commitment

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team remains committed to:

Supporting local businesses

Tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour

Working with partners to make Saddleworth & Lees a safe place to live, work, and visit

If you would like further crime prevention advice or a visit from your local team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Regards

PS Andy Holian – Saddleworth & Lees NBO Sergeant

*If you find this post to be informative and useful please ensure that you give a ‘thumbs up’ by clicking the rate button at the bottom of this message, and complete the short survey. Thank you.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Andy Holian
(Police, Sergeant, Saddleworth & Lees NBO)