York Officials and Policing Minister Discuss New Retail Crime Plans

Yesterday, David Skaith, York and North Yorkshire Mayor and Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime attended a Retail Crime Summit to mark the 2024 Respect for Shopworkers Week.

 The summit is in collaboration with The Co-op Group and USDAW (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers), bringing together Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors and Deputy Mayors, retailers and other stakeholders.

Dame Diana Johnson MP, Policing Minister, will deliver a keynote speech on the Government's plans to tackle retail crime, including a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker as well as other measures in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill. This will be the Minister's first time addressing an event specifically on retail crime. 

The event will also provide an opportunity for Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors and Deputy Mayors to meet with retail and policing figures to discuss future policy-making in this area, including looking forward to upcoming work on reoffending and rehabilitation. 

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

“As mayor, it is my mission to ensure that York and North Yorkshire is home to healthy and thriving communities. Ensuring our high street businesses are resilient and safe for all is vital to this.

 “As a small business owner, and having worked in retail for many years, I recognise the damaging impact crime has on the sector.  

“I welcome the opportunity that Jo and I have at the summit to influence future policy in this area.”

 Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime added:

 “The rise in reports of shoplifting across the country is deeply concerning and was raised by many of the businesses I’ve spoken to over recent weeks across York and North Yorkshire as part of the consultation work on our future priorities for police and fire services.

 “I’m looking forward to joining forces with the Government to tackle retail crime and to ensure we maximise the support we’re able to give to retail businesses and their staff going forward too.”