Crackdown on shoplifting in East Berkshire leads to over 200 charges

Hello Resident,

A targeted policing operation across East Berkshire has led to a significant crackdown on shoplifting and related offences, with a total of 227 charges for shoplifting between 1 May and 14 November 2025.

The operation is focused on targeting shoplifters and building strong partnerships with local retailers. Over the last 6 months officers in Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead and Bracknell have executed multiple arrest warrants and brought forward additional charges including robbery, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, criminal damage, breach of a serious violence reduction order, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Since May, neighbourhood policing officers have worked closely with individual stores, tailoring their approach to each location and fostering collaborative relationships. Retailers have been encouraged to sign up to DISC, a secure information-sharing platform, to help identify repeat offenders and improve community safety.

The operation has also involved partnership working with licensing teams to ensure stores understand regulations, enhancing their ability to deter and document criminal activity. More recently, efforts have expanded to include the Safer Towns team, with a renewed focus on making town centres safer and tackling persistent shoplifting.

Our proactive approach demonstrates the power of community engagement and targeted enforcement in reducing retail crime and improving public safety.