The Metropolitan Police is expanding the use of new technology designed to speed up shoplifting investigations, after figures showed, it was helping to boost arrests, charges and other positive outcomes.
The system allows retailers to submit CCTV, witness statements and other evidence directly to officers, cutting the time needed to gather material from days or even weeks to just minutes, the force said. It has already been piloted in six London boroughs and is now being rolled out to a further eight, including Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.Â
According to the Met, cases reported through the new platform are resulting in a caution, charge or other criminal disposal in 29.4% of incidents, compared with 7.3% across the force before the system was introduced. The force said the technology has also helped increase the number of arrests for retail crime by almost 50%.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern from retailers about repeat offenders and the strain shoplifting places on staff and businesses. The Met and retail groups have previously called for faster court processes and stronger enforcement of criminal behaviour orders, arguing that a small number of prolific offenders are responsible for a disproportionate share of retail crime.
The force said the new system has made it easier to identify suspects more quickly, including through retrospective facial recognition where clear CCTV is available. It also said the rollout is part of wider efforts to improve reporting, strengthen neighbourhood policing and target hotspot locations.
Last year, London-wide shoplifting fell by 3.7%, while the Met said it made almost 50% more arrests for retail crime.
