Community leaders joined forces in Kingsthorpe this week to hear first-hand about the issues facing retailers and shoppers.
Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Kingsthorpe North Councillor, teamed up with Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, to address concerns causing shop workers to feel unsafe.
The leaders set off on foot, joined by Northamptonshire Police’s neighbourhood police officers, to chat with store managers on Harborough Road and Alexandra Terrace.
Their focus was to listen and engage with shop staff about their experience of retail crime and help with problem-solving.
Danielle and police officers spoke to retailers about the importance of encouraging the reporting of crime, why it matters to shape an intelligence picture and helping officers with their duty to be enforcers.
Information about crime prevention initiatives were also shared including plans for rehabilitation teams to support shoplifters to overcome drug addiction and break the cycle of theft.
Danielle said: “Staff in Kingsthorpe have said they don’t always feel safe, with shoplifting contributing towards a sense of insecurity at work.
“So, I joined the Leader of the Council to listen and engage with many shop workers in the area as an opportunity to identify risks and prevent harm.
“There is already a strong working relationship with Police and our PCSOs, but there is both a need, and a clear appetite, to strengthen this further, with growing opportunities to build closer, more effective collaboration.”
Councillor Arnull, who is also a ward member for Kingsthorpe North, said: “It was really valuable to hear directly from retailers about the challenges they’re facing.
“While there had been an increase in shop theft until earlier this year, it’s important to be clear these incidents didn’t involve violence, but were understandably impacting confidence and people’s sense of safety.
“I’m reassured that Northamptonshire Police are taking targeted action, including arrests and proactive operations, while working closely with businesses to strengthen prevention measures.
“We will continue to support that work and ensure the concerns of residents and traders shape and, where possible, improve our ongoing community safety response.”
