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I wanted to provide you an update regarding Shoplifting, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. 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 Wandsworth’s 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 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
Wandsworth 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.
Your St Marys Safer Neighbourhood Team
 Shoplifting is a crime that can have a substantial negative impact on local businesses across London. If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
