Over 50 arrests were made in Derbyshire as part of a recent national week of action to reduce business crime.
The week, which was spearheaded by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), saw police and partners working together and holding targeted operations across the country from 17-24 October.
In Derbyshire, our officers actively engaged with local businesses, retailers, and the wider community to raise awareness of business crime and offer prevention advice.
During the week officers also proactively targeted outstanding business crime suspects to ensure that they were dealt with.
A total of 53 people were arrested for a variety of crimes which included those that directly affect businesses such as shoplifting, harassment of staff, criminal damage, burglary, and theft.
A further 32 people attended voluntary police interviews.
Seven people were subsequently charged and a further 13 charged and remanded to appear at court or recalled to prison.
Five people received court summons and a number were dealt with by way of restorative justice or are currently pending further enquiries.
Inspector Leanne Craig who leads on Partnerships, Prevention and Collaboration for Derbyshire Constabulary, said:
“We know that crime against a business can take many forms: from shoplifting and people not paying in restaurants, to staff theft and burglary.
“It also includes aggressive, abusive, or violent behaviour against retail workers.
“We know many incidents go unreported and were in support of this week of action to encourage retailers to report to us where they can.
“This is particularly important in the run up to the festive season when retailers and restaurants will be at their busiest.
“Offences such as shoplifting, harassment and criminal damage can have a very real effect on the businesses they target and the communities they serve – in particular in cases of small, independent businesses.
“The work officers in Derbyshire have put in during this week has ensured that those targeting businesses have been duly dealt with and has empowered retailers to speak with local authorities about any concerns.
“We are continuing to work with retailers to raise awareness of
#ShopKind, a joint campaign between retailers and Crimestoppers which aims to build positivity and encourage kindness to both shopworkers and consumers in stores.
“You can also find tips and advice to safeguard your staff and your business, on the Business Crime Prevention page of our website. There’s advice on shop security, tips on protecting your business from shoplifters and ways to prevent theft from staff.”
