Fed President joins Retail Crime Forum with Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones MP

Hemanshu Patel, National President of the Fed

(The Fed’s National President shared the concerns of members about retail crime)

The Fed’s National President, Hemanshu Patel, participated in a meeting of the Government’s Retail Crime Forum on October 14 2026, where he joined experts across government, business and law enforcement coordinating and advising on efforts to reduce the impact of retail crime.

The meeting follows recent evidence that reported retail crime is levelling off, whilst still running close to historic high levels.

Sarah Jones MP, the Minister of State at the Home Office with responsibility for Policing and Crime, convened the meeting. As well as senior civil servants, Alex Goss the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead on retail crime gave an update on police initiatives to tackle the problem through better evidence gathering as well as giving a strategic response to organised crime groups involved.

During the discussion, the Forum received updates on the government’s work to introduce Respect Orders, its work on the Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy, as well as reform linked to Digital reporting, which it is hoped will help streamline reporting.

The Fed met with Sarah Jones MP last December and has continued to work closely with the Home Office, the Police and more, including joining the Retail Crime Forum at this periodic meeting.

Hemanshu Patel said: “It was a useful discussion and good to speak with the Crime and Policing Minister again, as well as other partners in law enforcement and business. We spoke about the continued economic and social impact of retail crime on our shops as well as challenges reporting theft. The Fed will continue to advocate for members on this vital matter and ensure our members are heard.”