Retailers say Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is the best at responding to retail crime

A new report on retail crime released today (30 January 2025) by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reveals that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary provides the most effective police response to retail crime.

The announcement comes after the BRC asked retailers to rate each police force. Hampshire and Isle of Wight came top of the list.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I am delighted that the Constabulary is leading the way in the fight against retail crime. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, we are seeing an increased confidence in reporting and more retailers than ever before are engaging with the police because they know they will get a committed response.

“This is about increased trust and confidence in the police in tackling retail crime throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. More shoplifting crimes are being reported and that means more criminals are being dealt with.”

While figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal there was a 17% increase in the reporting of shoplifting in the region in the year ending September 2024, the Constabulary recorded a 151% increase in action being taken against shoplifters and those committing business crime between November 2023 and November 2024.

The Police Commissioner launched a fresh offensive last October with the launch of her new Business Crime Partnership. The initiative brings together businesses, the police, public sector agencies and other organisations to bear down on retail crime.

PCC Donna Jones added: “I have ensured a zero tolerance approach to business and retail crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The new figures and feedback from the British Retail Consortium show that we mean business. The force will continue to provide a robust response to business crime and will support retailers through their city centre teams.”

The 2025 Crime Survey Report by the British Retail Consortium can be accessed here.