Operation Cuts £3.2m Retail Crime

Thames Valley Police has launched a successful operation to tackle retail crime in Reading town centre, which has resulted in a 12.5% reduction in shoplifting offences. The operation, which has won the 2026 Laycock Award, is a partnership between the police, Reading Business Improvement District (BID), and other local agencies.

Retail crime in Reading had reached a critical point, with estimates suggesting over 55,000 shoplifting incidents in the past year, resulting in losses of around £3.2 million. However, only a small number of incidents were being reported to the police, masking the true level of harm and frustration felt by retailers. Research suggested that over half of shoplifting offences were linked to individuals stealing to fund a drug dependency.

The operation identified hotspot locations in Reading town centre, as well as patterns showing higher levels of offending earlier in the week and later in the day. Prolific offenders, opportunistic shoplifters, criminal entrepreneurs, and organised crime groups targeting high-value goods were also identified. A four-strand response was coordinated, including divert, pursue, prevent, and protect, alongside partners such as Reading Borough Council, Change Grow Live, and local retailers.

A Business Crime Navigator role was created, funded through the Home Office and embedded within Change Grow Live’s outreach service. This role acts as a bridge between police, businesses, and support agencies, directing prolific offenders into rapid access drug and alcohol treatment at the point of arrest or police contact. Early results are promising, with several individuals already engaging with treatment.

Regular performance reviews, retailer feedback, and data analysis are being used to track progress and refine tactics to continue to tackle retail crime and keep our communities safe.

Overall reports of shoplifting have risen, suggesting an improved confidence in reporting, and shoplifting offences occurring within the retail focus area were recorded to be 12.5% lower than the wider Reading town centre area.

Source: Thames Valley Alert