Commissioner speaks to Penrith shop owners about retail crime concerns

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, met shop owners in Penrith today (Wednesday 20th August) to hear more about their experience with shoplifting and shop staff abuse.

Retail crime has seen a rise in Cumbria with a 8.3% increase between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 compared to the same period in 2023/24 but figures show that mostly essential items are what is being stolen such as nappies and food over luxury items.

The Commissioner was joined by Community Beat Officer (CBO) PC Stewart Green and PCSO Mark Robson to hear more about the local concerns, how retail crime is being dealt with and how Operation Enhance is assisting with this work. During the visits, shop managers and owners were asked to fill in a survey to gauge how perceptions to retail crime have changed in the last year.

Operation Enhance tackles anti-social behaviour and/or serious violence in 18 hotspots across the county follow £1million of extra funding secured by the Commissioner from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I represent the public within Policing so it is apt that I get out into our communities and speak to residents, business owners and partners to hear their concerns and priorities. I was particularly pleased to be able to do this today in Penrith.”

“The increase in shoplifting is happening across the UK so it is a national and local priority to tackle it as best we can.”

“Cumbria has many independent local shops that add so much value to our communities, they are vibrant and add a unique flavour to our towns and villages, so I’m eager to protect them as best we can and work with owners to reduce the likelihood of being targeted.”

“The Constabulary are continuously working to tackle and prevent shoplifting through highly visible extra Officers on the streets through Operation Enhance or through the launch of Fusus that allows shop owners to link their CCTV directly to the Constabulary’s Command and Control Room. This allows the Police, with owner permission, to see any crime taking place live time and deploy Officers to reprimand criminals.”

“I’d encourage shop staff to continue to report theft and abuse to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. The police operate on evidence and intelligence, if matters are reported they then know where to deploy staff to prevent such issues occurring. I’d also urge those who are considering shoplifting due to cost-of-living increases to look at other options. There is support out there and you don’t need to turn to crime to support yourself and your family.”

“I am the voice of residents for Policing and Fire so I would urge anyone with any concerns around retail crime or any crime type to contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or 01768 217734.”

You can find your nearest foodbank at www.foodbanks.co.uk/food-bank-location and your nearest baby banks at www.littlevillagehq.org/uk-baby-banks/. Anyone looking for support around finances, citizens advice can help with information – your local branch can be found on their website.

Penrith Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Mo Bibby, said: “Tackling shoplifting and retail crime forms part of our commitment to neighbourhood policing across the Eden area, and we know it has a major impact on our business community.”

“We work closely with our partner agencies and local businesses to ensure that those who seek to target retailers are held accountable.”

“Collaboration between police and the business community is key to fostering an effective partnership approach when dealing with all aspects of business crime.”

This work forms part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative that aims to raise the positive work taking place to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), reduce and prevent crime and restore confidence in local services.