Crimestoppers
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Tackling shoplifting in Northampton
We’ve 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.
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.
We’re highlighting:
- 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.
If you’re in the area, look out for our AdVan, which will tour Northampton town centre on 2nd August, displaying community messages urging residents to take a stand.
Do you have information about anyone who shoplifts? You can tell us here at Crimestoppers and remain 100% anonymous – guaranteed. No names. No police. Just a safer Northampton.
Call free, 24/7, on 0800 555 111, or fill in our quick and easy online form, here on our website:
“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.”
Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers' East Midlands Regional Manager
“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.”
Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
“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.”
Mark Mullen, Operations Manager at Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID)
“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.”
Alison Farr, Crime Manager for Northamptonshire Business Crime Partnership
Tell us what you know anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the online reporting form:
No names. No police. Just a safer Northampton.
15 July 2025
