Police trialling new ways to tackle shoplifting

Police have been trialling new ways to tackle shoplifting in Exeter.

Devon and Cornwall Police have been working in the city council's CCTV control centre with a coordinator from the Exeter Businesses Against Crime group to coordinate their response to offenders who target stores on the high street.

The force has plain clothes officers patrolling the streets who are in regular communication with the team in the centre to provide a safer shopping experience in the city.

Sgt Andy Walton said by having officers in both locations they were "best placed to react to any reports of shoplifting".

The force first introduced plain clothes officers in July 2024 and said the operation had resulted in 11 arrests.

Businesses can also radio directly into the control room to report a crime.

Sgt Walton said they monitor the bank of 300 cameras so they can pass on live intel to officers on the ground.

He said they can monitor where officers are and direct them towards suspected offenders.

Nathan Johnson, the policing inspector for Exeter city centre, added it was not about just arresting the perpetrators.

"We are looking to get behaviour orders against them that have some positive action around alcohol or drug rehabilitation."

He added: "If we can address the root cause then we can ultimately lower shoplifting."

Andrew Sharman, from Exeter Businesses Against Crime, said "businesses love the engagement" and there has been a "big surge" in people putting in intelligence which is helping them find out who is causing the problems.

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