Tackling theft and shoplifting together - Keeping Bromley's shops safe

Tackling theft and shoplifting together - Keeping Bromley's shops safe

Hello everyone,

Shoplifting might seem like a low‑level crime, but its impact is far from small. It affects local businesses, staff safety, community confidence, and the cost of living for all of us. The good news is that Bromley retailers and police are working together to prevent theft and make our town centres safer for everyone.

✅ What We’re Seeing

Across London and nationally, retailers report increases in:

Opportunistic theft

Repeat offenders

Groups targeting busy shops

Incidents becoming more confrontational

Our teams know how stressful this is for staff and customers. No one should feel unsafe while working or shopping in our borough.

✅ What Police Have Already Asked Retailers To Do

To help prevent shoplifting and protect staff, officers have been visiting local shops and advising them to:

🔒 Improve store layouts

Keep high‑value goods in sight of staff

Use locked cabinets for small, easily concealed items

Remove large blind spots where offenders can hide items

📸 Strengthen CCTV and security measures

Ensure cameras cover entrances, exits and key product aisles

Use clear signage so offenders know they’re being recorded

Make sure CCTV systems are working and footage can be downloaded quickly

👕 Use staff visibility and engagement

Stand near key areas during busy times

Greet customers when they enter — a friendly hello is proven to deter theft

Report suspicious behaviour early so officers can respond

🔁 Keep strong incident reporting systems

Store descriptions of repeat offenders

Share information with police/Safer Neighbourhood Teams

Report every incident, even small thefts, so we can spot patterns

🔐 Review security hardware

Use security tags on at‑risk products

Install magnetic tag removers at tills only

Consider door‑watch staff during peak hours

These simple steps can make shops far less attractive to offenders.

✅ What Your Local Police Are Doing

Your Safer Neighbourhood Teams and town centre officers are:

Running targeted patrols around high‑risk shops and hotspots

Identifying and tracking repeat offenders

Working with retail security to gather good descriptions and intelligence

Carrying out arrests and banning orders where appropriate

Supporting workers affected by threats, aggression or intimidation

Partnering with councils and Business Watch groups to improve safety

We’re focusing on the offenders causing the most harm — and working to disrupt them long‑term.

✅ How You Can Help

Everyone has a part to play in reducing theft and keeping town centres safe.

👀 Be aware of your surroundings
If you see suspicious behaviour, tell staff or contact us.

📲 Report incidents and intelligence

999 – if a crime is happening right now or someone is threatened

101 – to report information or non‑urgent crime

Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111 (100% anonymous)

💬 Support your local shops
They’re vital to our community and are working hard to stay safe.

✅ A Message From Us

Bromley is a strong borough with proud, hardworking businesses. Shoplifting isn’t “petty” — it’s harmful, and it won’t be ignored. By working together, we can protect local workers, support our high streets, and keep our town centres welcoming and safe for everyone.

Thank you for being part of the solution.
Stay alert, stay informed, and keep talking to us.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Gary Hill
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Bromley Common and Holwood safer neighbourhood team)