Suffolk Police Leads Successful Safer Business Action Week to Tackle Retail Crime

Suffolk Police has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting local businesses and communities during Safer Business Action (SaBA) Week, delivering outstanding results through partnership working and proactive policing.

Over the course of the week, officers across the county carried out daily engagements with retailers, conducted joint patrols with partners, and executed targeted warrants at high-harm premises. The initiative resulted in over 20 arrests, including prolific shoplifters and individuals wanted for serious offences, and several offenders were subsequently charged and remanded to court.

Significant intelligence was also gathered throughout the operation, strengthening Suffolk’s ability to disrupt organised criminality. Officers also worked closely with Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCO) to provide crime prevention advice and reduce future risk. Immigration offences were detected, leading to premises being fined, and enforcement action was taken against businesses operating illegally.

Highlights of the week included:

•         Over 20 arrests for offences including theft, burglary, drug offences, warrants and recall to prison.

•         Multiple offenders charged and remanded by police for shoplifting

•         Eight stop and searches in town centres across the county

•         Over 95 engagements, including joint patrols with partners and retailers to deter crime and reassure communities.

•         Immigration enforcement, resulting in six arrests and fines for non-compliant businesses.

•         Warrants executed at high-risk premises, uncovering illegal alcohol and tobacco.

•         Daily retailer engagement and crime prevention visits across Suffolk with lots of intelligence obtained to inform future policing activity.

In the west, on Monday 10 November, officers arrested a man on suspicion of theft after he allegedly stole a pair of gloves from a store in the Guineas Shopping Centre. He was then arrested for a further five previous incidents in which he was a named suspect.  Subsequently, 42-year-old Kevin Davis of Howard de Walden Way in Newmarket was charged with six counts of theft from a shop and is due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates on 9 January 2026.

In the south, on Tuesday 11 November, an arrest was made for a theft from a convenience store in Ipswich. Staff at the store reported the suspect to police after he reportedly stole a quantity of food items. James Marks, 41-years old and of no fixed abode, was charged with three counts of theft from a shop and is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on 10 December 2025.

Superintendent Andrew Martin said: “SaBA Week demonstrates the power of partnership working, sending a clear message that retail crime will not be tolerated. 

By combining resources and expertise, we’ve delivered a strong response to retail crime, safeguarded businesses, and reassured the public. Our thanks go to all officers, retailers, and partners who played a vital role in making this initiative a success.

“We hope this week of activity shows that Suffolk Police remain committed to working with businesses and partners to create safer communities and reduce retail crime. We encourage retailers to continue reporting incidents and sharing intelligence to help us maintain this momentum.”