Eastbrook and Rush Green Policing Team Make a Real Difference for Rush Green Co-op

Eastbrook and Rush Green Policing Team Make a Real Difference for Rush Green Co-op

Eight individuals have been arrested and prosecuted for a total of 34 counts of shoplifting, alongside five breaches of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs).

Following concerns raised by store staff around repeated shoplifting and intimidating behaviour, including groups of men entering the store and clearing shelves of stock, we adopted a neighbourhood policing approach that combined engagement, enforcement and problem-solving to tackle the root causes of the issue rather than simply responding to individual incidents.

This was not simply about the financial impact of shoplifting. The store's all-female staff reported feeling intimidated and increasingly concerned by the behaviour they were experiencing. Recognising the impact on staff, we worked with the store to understand the problem and identify those responsible. 

Since May, the team's efforts have resulted in:

•            8 offenders arrested and prosecuted

•            34 shoplifting offences brought before the courts

•            5 Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) breaches dealt with

•            5 Community Protection Warnings issued

•            1 Antisocial Behaviour warning issued

•            1 Criminal Behaviour Order issued preventing an offender from entering any Co-op store across Greater London

All eight offenders pleaded guilty, with a range of outcomes including custodial sentences, suspended sentences, rehabilitation orders and ongoing court proceedings.

These results demonstrate the value of combining traditional enforcement with wider preventative powers to disrupt repeat offending and address the behaviour causing harm to businesses, staff and the wider community.

Most importantly, we have helped improve the day-to-day experience of those working and living in the area. The Co-op Store Manager praised the team's commitment, saying their engagement made staff feel "heard, safe and supported", while the Eastbrook and Rush Green Ward Panel also recognised the positive impact our work has had within the community.

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.

Communications & Engagement