The NFRN continued our pursuit to ensure retail crimes are included on the UK’s localised crime plans and met with newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell on Wednesday 18 August.
The Commissioner has identified retail crime as a priority and aims to change how responses to crimes are managed. Ms Spurrell emphasised the importance of reporting, whatever the crime, as the data compilation allows the PCC to recognise areas in policing which require additional resources. Recent police recruiting targets, The Commissioner explained, are misleading and the Merseyside force have currently recruited 400 new officers, although this does not match the previous cuts. The Commissioner is also open to discussion with magistrates, to advocate for the enforcement of stricter sentencing to offenders and included impact and business statements when incidences reach court.
Ms Spurrell recognises the need for local sergeants on the ground, to create a better link with local policing teams and the wider community. The Commissioner also understood that independent retailers do not have the luxury to afford security guards or specialised systems and spoke about the target hardening scheme – looking into funding for retail security.
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