Devon and Cornwall Police has always had one of the lowest rates of shoplifting in the country, but it is on the increase.
Assaults against shop workers is making some businesses untenable to trade without security.
I am determined to hold the Chief Constable to account for his efforts on tackling retail crime. There is a national action plan that has been created on behalf of all Chief Constables and I will scutinise the force's efforts to deliver on it.
The £1million anti-social behaviour hotspot policing funding from the Government will enable greater patrols and support to our high streets.
If re-elected I will support the British Retailers Consortium to #GetToughOnRetailCrime to:
- Make retail crime a priority in the Police and Crime Plan
- Work with other policing stakeholders to ensure the stand alone offence for assaulting a retail worker is used
- Allocate necessary resources for tackling retail crime in their region
We already have successful arrangements established through Business Improvement Districts like Plymouth, St Austell, Truro and Exeter.
I have already committed £200,000 this year to help many towns and cities for Street Marshals to help improve support for our high streets.