Retail Crime
Councils are reviewing crime statistics and implementing strategies to address retail crime, including shoplifting and robbery.
Councils are currently reviewing crime statistics and implementing strategies to tackle retail crime, which includes shoplifting and robbery. In January 2026, Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs reported to Enfield's Safer Neighbourhood Board a 25% decrease in neighbourhood crime, including shoplifting, but a 1-5% increase in robberies. Croydon Council approved its Safer Croydon Partnership Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029 in July 2026, into which stronger action on retail crime was proposed to be incorporated.
Retail crime refers to criminal activities occurring in retail environments, such as shoplifting or theft from shops. Other councils, including Merton, Bromley, and Redbridge, have discussed broader crime and policing matters, such as police performance and robbery statistics, in their committee meetings in September and July 2026.
Key facts
- Enfield's neighbourhood crime, including shoplifting, decreased by 25%. Source
- Enfield reported a 1-5% increase in robberies. Source
- Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs shared crime figures with Enfield's Safer Neighbourhood Board. Source
- The figures were shared at a meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026. Source
- Robberies are linked to drug-related activity, theft, and organised crime. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.