Facial recognition and targeted arrests planned in Northamptonshire retail crime operation
Prolific shoplifters will be targeted using facial recognition technology as part of a week-long crackdown on retail crime across Northamptonshire.
Northamptonshire Police will carry out targeted operations, make arrests and visit businesses during Safer Business Action Week, which begins on Monday, November 9.
The national initiative brings together police forces, retailers and business crime partnerships to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour affecting shops and their staff.
Officers will work alongside the Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership (NBCP) and local businesses to identify concerns and focus enforcement activity on repeat offenders.
The operation will involve the force's proactive SIT team, facial recognition deployments and targeted interventions against prolific offenders.
Northamptonshire Police established a dedicated Retail Crime Team in 2023 and says conviction rates have increased significantly since its introduction, although no figures were provided.
Chief Inspector James Willis, who leads on retail crime for the force, said: "Retail crime is far from a victimless crime. Each incident can have a profound impact on workers, businesses and the community’s sense of safety."
He added: "Every offence matters, which is why we remain committed to supporting retailers and taking action."
The NBCP will also host a Fight Back Against Retail Crime event at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough on Tuesday, November 10.
Running from 10.30am until 1.30pm, the event will feature speakers from policing and crime prevention organisations.
Police, fire and crime commissioner Danielle Stone is expected to open the event.
Superintendent Lisa Maslen, of the National Business Crime Centre, said the national week highlighted challenges facing businesses and the importance of partnership working.
Police said the activity forms part of ongoing efforts to protect retail workers and reduce crime throughout the county.
Chief Inspector Willis said officers would continue investigating reports, pursuing reasonable lines of enquiry and working to prevent further offending.