Thorne Shop Watch scheme tackles retail crime with success

A police-led initiative to combat retail crime in Thorne is yielding positive results, with over 15 shops now actively sharing intelligence about prolific offenders.

The Shop Watch scheme, launched in September 2024 by Doncaster East Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), has created a robust network of retailers committed to tackling theft and criminal activity in the town.

The scheme covers Thorne town centre and Quora Retail Park, offering a platform for retailers to share real-time information about offenders.

Information shared through Thorne Shop Watch saw one persistent offender get brought into custody, with retailers in the town also using the network to share knowledge about the whereabouts of another.

“The Shop Watch scheme was set up to create a direct line of communication between ourselves and other retailers and since its inception, we've seen businesses share crucial intelligence about offenders,” Doncaster East NPT Inspector Alison Carr said.

“This helps us to track their movements and patterns of behaviour which ultimately improves our chances of arresting them and ensuring that justice is delivered.

“A joined-up approach involving as many retailers as possible really is the best way to combat retail crime as it allows us to be proactive and keep on the front foot.”

Inspector Carr urged more businesses to join the initiative.

“It's been really encouraging to see businesses in Thorne sign up to the scheme and we now just want to expand this network as much as possible across the town,” she said.

"So if you haven't already, please consider signing up to the Shop Watch scheme as it really will help us to tackle shoplifting and retail crime."

The businesses who join the Shop Watch sign up to an information sharing agreement and will receive tailored messages and warnings, including photos of known shoplifters and people of interest.

They will also be given a poster showing they are part of the scheme which they can display in their shop windows.

Businesses interested in joining Thorne Shop Watch or seeking more information can email DoncasterEastNPT@southyorkshire.police.uk.