Over the last financial year, there has been a shoplifting increase of 7.3 per cent across the borough with noticeable surges in town centre high streets.

How shoplifting is being tackled

The Safer Greenwich Partnership is adopting a multi-faceted approach to tackling the crime through:

• monitored CCTV positioned in prime shoplifting locations
• increasing warden patrols in the main high streets and thoroughfares
• utilising body cameras for wardens to catch potential shoplifters as they exit shops
• meeting with business owners to discuss security concerns
• handing out free anti-shop lifting posters for shop windows
• increasing shoplifting intelligence sharing between the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Metropolitan Police.

'Doing everything to prevent shoplifting'

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment, said: "The Royal Borough is doing everything it can to prevent shoplifting by working with our partners in the Metropolitan Police, engaging with local businesses, and utilising our CCTV and town centre wardens teams to catch shoplifters either in the act or as they leave the store. Through these actions I look forward to reversing the increase in shoplifting figures next year."

'Crackdown on shoplifters'

Borough Commander Simon Dobinson added: "As Christmas approaches, the Metropolitan Police stands ready to work with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to crackdown on shoplifters operating throughout the borough. The message to shoplifters is clear - you will be caught and you will face criminal prosecution."