Salisbury businesses invited to build on success in tackling retail crime

Businesses across Salisbury are being encouraged to play a continued role in efforts to reduce retail crime following positive results achieved through partnership working between retailers, Wiltshire Police and other local agencies.

A joint letter from Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and Chief Constable Catherine Roper has been sent to retailers across the city, recognising the contribution businesses have already made through the Salisbury Business Crime Reduction Partnership and setting out opportunities to strengthen that collaboration further.

The partnership has helped businesses and agencies share information, identify repeat offenders and coordinate action to support a safer environment for staff, customers and the wider community. Recent activity has demonstrated the benefits of this approach, with partners reporting encouraging progress in identifying and addressing persistent offending and reducing anti-social behaviour.

The letter highlights the importance of reporting incidents and sharing evidence, helping to build a clearer picture of offending and enabling partners to respond effectively. It also promotes the Business Crime Reduction Partnership's direct reporting system, which has made it easier for businesses to provide information and evidence when incidents occur.

Retail crime remains a significant challenge for communities across the country, affecting businesses of all sizes and the people who work within them. Through partnership working, Salisbury has developed a collaborative approach that aims to reduce offending, improve information sharing and support those affected by crime.

Businesses are also being encouraged to nominate a Retail Crime Champion who can help maintain links with partners, share relevant information within their organisation and support ongoing crime prevention activity.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen community safety and build on the progress already being made in Salisbury, with partners hoping the model can continue to deliver benefits for businesses, employees and residents alike.

Tuesday 30 June 2026