Bedfordshire PCC John Tizard and Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce host Retail Crime Prevention Day

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce brought together retailers, business leaders, and community partners for a dedicated Retail Crime Prevention Day, reinforcing a shared commitment to the prevention of retail crime across the county. 

Retail crime remains a significant issue locally and nationally. Opening the event, the PCC made clear that the issue is taken seriously by his office and Bedfordshire Police. 

The day focused on providing businesses with advice on how to prevent retail crime, protect staff and premises, and build operational resilience. 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: 

“Retail businesses and especially their employees should not have to endure the impact of shoplifting and other retail crimes.  

“All retail crime is unacceptable and affects the profitability and sustainability of businesses, retail workers, and all of us who use the retail sector.  

“Retail customers can feel intimated but ultimately, they pick up the cost of these crimes in the price of the goods they buy.  

“As Police and Crime Commissioner I expect retail crime to be a key focus for the police, and I know that Bedfordshire Police take these crimes very seriously.  

“There has been a police operation to tackle retail crime and ASB across Bedfordshire town centres and wherever there are shops and retail facilities. 

“The deployment of LFR and local authority CCTV in the major centres have contributed to enforcing the law and apprehending perpetrators.  

“However, the police alone cannot simply deal with this through law enforcement. There is a responsibility on retailers to take measures to prevent crime and protect their workforce.  

“I recognise that the large national companies have more resources to invest in prevention. I get very angry when household name companies fail to report retail crime and often simply write it off as another cost. That is a high price for genuine shoppers to pay”. 

Paula Devine, Head of Membership & Global Trade Services at the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:  

“Retail crime has a real and growing impact on businesses of all sizes, affecting not only their bottom line but also the safety and wellbeing of their staff.  

“Events like this are vital in bringing businesses, policing and partners together to share practical solutions, strengthen resilience and ensure our business community feels supported. By working together, we can help create safer environments for businesses to operate and for communities to thrive.”