Devon and Cornwall Police Address Rising Shoplifting

During a police operation focused on shoplifting in Exeter city centre, observed by the BBC, Sgt Harriet Harper reported, “They’ve got one of the shoplifters running from them,” as officers pursued a repeat offender. This individual was among several targeted by Devon and Cornwall Police during the initiative. Official data indicates a 38% increase in reported shoplifting incidents within the Devon and Cornwall force area over a single year, surpassing the national average by 10%. Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement affirming its “committed” stance on collaborating with retailers and providing guidance on safeguarding their premises and operations. While the BBC was filming, two men were apprehended in connection with several alleged shoplifting offences. Concurrently, officers responded to additional incidents, such as street disturbances. Law enforcement officials urged businesses to report all instances of shoplifting to enable them to construct an “accurate picture” of the situation. Retailers had previously expressed a desire for more “positive action” from the police regarding retail crime. Sgt Harper stated, “We take shoplifting really seriously in Exeter.” She added, “We as police are doing everything we can with the resources we’ve got but it is a really complex topic.” Devon and Cornwall Police further declared its intention to continue to “tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more offenders and keep retail workers safe”.