Exeter businesses see police action in latest retail crime crackdown

Devon & Cornwall Police are carrying out a week of targeted action to tackle retail crime, with Exeter businesses seeing increased police patrols, arrests and crime-prevention visits as part of the national Safer Business Action Week.

The initiative, running from 10 November, aims to strengthen day-to-day links between police, shop staff and local business groups at a time when retail crime and anti-social behaviour continue to affect city centres. 

Officers in Exeter have been focusing on shoplifting hotspots, engaging with workers on the high street and carrying out intelligence-led operations.

Police say the early results include several arrests linked to theft and breaches of bail conditions. 

Officers have also charged multiple suspects in connection with shop thefts and carried out daily foot patrols, locating two missing people during the week.

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Devon & Cornwall Police are part of Exeter Business Against Crime (EBAC), a partnership that links police, retailers and local authorities through shared information, a secure reporting system and live radio communication between businesses. 

The scheme also helps coordinate exclusion orders for persistent or aggressive offenders. One recent example is Stevie Lee Palmer, an Exeter shoplifter jailed for 52 weeks and given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order preventing him entering certain shops after his release.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said the force is focusing resources on known hotspots and targeting repeat offenders. 

“We know how much business crime can affect those who work within businesses in our communities. By taking a collaborative and proactive approach, we can deploy resources to specific locations and directly target offenders,” he said.

This week also marks the launch of the Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Business Crime Reduction Partnership, which will allow businesses across the region to share intelligence, coordinate responses and collectively exclude prolific offenders.

 Police say the aim is to reduce fear of crime, improve reporting and provide better guidance and training for retailers.

Chief Superintendent Antony Hart said police will continue the work beyond this week. “Our officers will raise awareness of business crime, encourage reporting, gather intelligence and share prevention advice. The proactive engagement planned this week isn’t a one-off.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said her office is funding the expansion of UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), a scheme linking businesses directly with police intelligence networks. 

Following a pilot in Torquay, the scheme is now being rolled out across parts of Devon and Cornwall, with businesses offered a free 12-month subscription to the new regional partnership.

Retailers are encouraged to report incidents, sign up to Community Messaging and seek advice on crime prevention through the Devon & Cornwall Police website.