Salisbury partnership marks first year of joint action against business crime

Salisbury partnership marks first year of joint action against business crime

Recorded shop theft in the area covered by Salisbury's Business Crime Reduction Partnership fell by almost 12% in the year to September 2026, from 220 offences to 194.

The first year has also seen improvements in how retailers report incidents and share information with Wiltshire Police. A direct reporting system allows participating businesses to report crime without using the usual online process or calling 101. Between March and August, police received 43 reports through the system, with 84% relating to theft or attempted theft.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said the first year had demonstrated the benefits of closer cooperation, while acknowledging that retail crime continues to have a significant impact on businesses and their staff.

Salisbury BID and local retailers have welcomed the changes, particularly the improved communication with neighbourhood policing teams and the ability to share information about repeat offenders. Businesses say the system has made reporting incidents easier and helped them feel more supported in dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour.

Work is now underway to establish similar partnerships in Trowbridge and Swindon, building on the experience gained in Salisbury and strengthening the response to retail crime across Wiltshire and Swindon.

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