Trowbridge plans new crime partnership to tackle shoplifting

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

Trowbridge is exploring a Business Crime Reduction Partnership to combat shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Trowbridge is exploring plans for a new town-wide crime-fighting partnership to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The proposed Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) would bring together police, businesses and other organisations to share intelligence and coordinate their response to retail crime. It would make Trowbridge only the second location in Wiltshire to have the scheme; Salisbury currently operates the only other BCRP in the county.

The move comes amid ongoing concern about shoplifting in the town centre. Last month Trowbridge received its own dedicated retail crime officer after 120 shoplifting offences were reported in August alone. The plan also follows a high-profile alleged theft at TG Jones in Fore Street.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said there was already strong interest from businesses and organisations in the town. He noted that the Salisbury BCRP had made it easier to identify repeat offenders and resulted in stronger links between organisations. Wilkinson said Trowbridge already had several groups tackling the problem, including its chamber of commerce, town council and ShopWatch members. 'A BCRP would build on that good work rather than replace it,' he said.

How it is being reported

• New measures planned to crack down on 'scourge' of crime in town centreBusinesses could see a tougher response to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in a Wiltshire town.Wiltshire Times · 26 Oct, 05:00
• New measures planned to crack down on 'scourge' of crime in town centreBusinesses could see a tougher response to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in a Wiltshire town.Gazette & Herald · 26 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Trowbridge · Wiltshire · Philip Wilkinson · Salisbury · TG Jones

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