Retailers have welcomed new proposals aimed at reducing shoplifting in Gloucestershire.

 Around 50 of the county’s most prominent businesses were represented at the launch of a report into retail crime produced by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

PCC Martin Surl said “Shop theft is considered attractive because of its accessibility and low detection rate. But it is not the victimless crime it is often perceived to be.

 “Unfortunately, this is compounded by a police response which can only be described as ‘patchy’ due to an approach which has given priority to crimes considered to be more serious.

 “This is a flawed approach. Every crime matters and what might seem trivial today can often lead to something much more serious tomorrow.”

You can read the retail crime review on the OPCC website at gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/priorities/safer-days-and-nights-for-all/