Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign in Northampton to tackle the rising issue of shoplifting and its impact on local businesses, staff, and the wider community.
The four-week campaign, led by Crimestoppers and supported by Northampton Town Centre BID, Northampton Retail Crime Initiative, which is managed by Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership and Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, aims to empower the community to speak out anonymously against shoplifters.
Activity will include social media across Northampton Town, a digital AdVan in key areas and posters and window stickers distributed to local businesses.
Shoplifting continues to pose a growing problem across the UK. According to recent data from the British Retail Consortium, shoplifting incidents across the UK rose to 16.7 million in 2024, up from 8 million incidents in 2023, costing the UK £1.8 billion in losses.
The campaign will highlight:
- The real impact of shoplifting on shop workers, particularly around abuse and intimidation
- The cost to local businesses, which can lead to reduced hours, closures, and job losses
- The importance of community support in tackling crime, including how to report anonymously to Crimestoppers
READ MORE: Crime and Policing Minister sees work to tackle shop theft and anti-social behaviour in Northampton
A key feature of the campaign will be a digital AdVan, which will tour Northampton town centre on 2 August, displaying community messages urging residents to take a stand.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Shoplifting doesn’t just affect profits—it damages livelihoods, community confidence, and the safety of our town centre.
“Crimestoppers is the only way in which you can report information on crime 100% anonymously and we encourage everyone, who has information about shoplifting, the sale of stolen goods and those who are committing the crime, to speak out and protect our businesses. Shop staff and businesses deserve to work in a safe and secure environment.
“This campaign gives the public the opportunity to make a real difference by providing vital information—anonymously—to help reduce shoplifting and keep our communities safe.”
The Safer Streets Summer Initiative sees Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables across England and Wales lead coordinated action with partners to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in key towns and city areas over the summer months.
From now until the end of September, there will be a programme of focussed activity to tackle the issues that matter to people, with all partners working together to make communities safer for everyone.
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “I understand the significant impact that retail crime has not just on businesses but on the wider community. Our high streets should be safe for everyone.
“In Northamptonshire, we are committed to tackling retail crime by working together. That’s why I am pleased to support this partnership initiative to encourage people to report shoplifting, and anyone they suspect of selling stolen goods.”
Mark Mullen, Operations Manager at Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Shoplifting is often casually dismissed as a victimless crime but in reality it’s quite the opposite.
“High rates of shoplifting equate to rising prices, something that hits us all in the pocket every time we get to the till.
“This campaign shines a light on the reality of retail crime, the impact it has on hard-working shop staff and the cost to businesses at a time when many are already feeling the pinch of financial pressures elsewhere.”
Alison Farr, Crime manager for Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership said: “The NBCP supports retailers across Northants helping to prevent theft, identify and bring offenders to justice.
“We see first-hand the impact that shop theft has on the staff working in retail, it makes staff retention difficult and the small profit margins in some outlets are wiped out.
“I’d encourage anyone with information on offenders and their disposal of the stolen goods to report via Crimestoppers so we can focus on those persons and places. If any retailers need support, contact us on info@retailcrime.org we are here to help you.”
Anyone with information about shoplifting can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the online reporting form www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No names. No police. Just a safer Northampton.
