The Metropolitan Police is expanding a new technology that allows retailers to submit CCTV footage and evidence directly to officers, aiming to crack down on shoplifting in London. The system, already piloted in six boroughs, has significantly sped up investigations and improved outcomes.
Expansion to new boroughs
The technology is currently used in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley. It will now be extended to Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
Retail giants including Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Greggs are using the platform, which allows them to share CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence directly with police. Previously, officers could wait up to 28 days or longer for CCTV footage; now they can access it in minutes.
Impact on crime solving
When the new system was used, there was a caution, charge or other criminal disposal in 29.4% of cases, compared with an average of 7.3% before its introduction. Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for business crime, said the tool helps identify shoplifters more quickly and bring more to justice.
“Tackling retail crime remains a top priority for the Met,” he said. “Reported shoplifting offences across London are down by almost 4%, but we’re not taking our foot off the pedal as evidenced by this continued use of new tech. Shoplifters should be under no illusion – we are increasing our capability to catch you and put you before the courts.”
Retailer support
Julie Murphy, vice president for Boots’ London and travel division, said the company is committed to partnering with the force. “The results published by the Met today show that we are making progress in bearing down on shop theft, and Boots is pleased to be supporting the roll-out of direct to police reporting via the platform to a further eight London boroughs.”
Recent cases include a teenage boy who went on a shoplifting spree worth more than £100,000 at Boots and Holland and Barrett. He was spared jail by a magistrate at Highbury Corner Youth Court in May. In June, Michael Belgrave, 55, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment and a five-year criminal behaviour order after stealing more than £4,000 worth of goods from shops including Greggs and BP.
