MP and PFCC meet with store staff and managers to further collaborate in tackling retail crime

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst joined Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay, at the Asda store in the Eastgate centre, Basildon, yesterday, to discuss further ways to tackle retail crime.

They were joined by Asda Area Director for Kent & Essex Adam Shinebroom along with Store Manager Chris Cokill and his staff, including security officers and community champions, who outlined the challenges the store was facing.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Here in Essex, we are collaborating with all our community safety and business partners in innovative ways to reduce retail crime. Essex Police are now operating new schemes which aim to improve conviction rates while freeing up officers’ time and allowing them to get back out on the streets of our neighbourhoods, where we know they belong.

“It’s great to join Richard Holden MP and the store staff today to understand the local challenges we are facing and how we can all work together to reduce retail crime.”

Richard Holden MP said: “I was pleased to meet with Asda’s store staff and the Commissioner to work out ways we can reduce retail crime in Basildon and Billericay. The meeting showed that we have a challenge ahead of us and it is of the utmost importance we all work together to reduce crime.

“I’ll be working with Roger to host a roundtable with more businesses from Basildon and Billericay to hear directly about their experiences and suggestions to cut retail crime, and ultimately make shopping a safer and more enjoyable experience.”

In the year to 31 March, officers made 1,374 arrests for shop theft and assaults on retail staff in Essex – securing 2,442 charges – and solved 530 more offences than in the previous 12 months.

Essex Police are now utilising a Rapid Video Response team of police officers to include incidents of shop theft where a suspect has been arrested to gather evidence quickly and efficiently. Also named shop theft suspects can now be summonsed directly to magistrates’ court in certain circumstances without the need for arrest or interview.