Shoplifter mugshots sent to retailers

Friday 10 July 2015

Photos of Jersey’s most prolific shoplifters will be sent to stores in a new crackdown on theft.

The police have launched a “Shop Alert” scheme to target shoplifters and advise retailers on how they can stop people stealing from them.

In the last few years, the police have had huge success in tackling theft – the number of offences recorded in the first six months of this year is 24% down on the equivalent period in 2012.

Under the “Shop Alert” system, businesses that sign up will be sent pictures of prolific shoplifters, get regular updates when police identify new offenders, get advice on security measures, and get stickers showing that they are part of the scheme to deter would-be thieves.

The new scheme has been welcomed by retailers already.

Co-op Chief Operating Officer Mark Cox said: “Shoplifting creates loss and disruption for retailers, while affecting all customers by reducing product availability and increasing the cost of goods sold.

“Shop Alert is a great initiative which will assist us in taking a more proactive approach to dealing with shoplifting in our stores.

“The Channel Islands Co-operative is fully supportive of this development as it is through partnership approaches like this that retailers and The Police will be successful in reducing the level of shoplifting locally.”

Inspector Mark Coxshall, the Head of the Community Policing Team for the States of Jersey Police said: “The Town Police Unit has had a real impact on retail crime since its introduction in 2011. We want to develop this further with businesses and make sure we remain as accessible as possible to the town shops and retailers.”