Wakefield city centre charter leads to significant reduction in shoplifting

Wakefield city centre has bucked the national trend with a 20 per cent reduction in retail crime in December in comparison with the previous year, thanks to initiatives to tackle shoplifting.

The Wakefield Central neighbourhood policing team (NPT) has led on the ‘Banned From One, Banned From All’ initiative using bail conditions and exclusion maps to prohibit individuals linked to crime from entering the city centre. Those found to be breaching conditions have been further arrested and brought before the courts.

The NPT has also been working with Wakefield council’s anti-social behaviour enforcement team and other partners to utilise civil legislation, such as Criminal Behaviour Orders, to place restrictions on prolific offenders.

Wakefield city centre charter

‘Banned From One, Banned From All’ is a simple concept that was borne from the delivery of Wakefield’s first ever city centre charter. The NPT has signed up nearly all the retailers in a show of community solidarity demonstrating a shared desire to eradicate criminal activity and anti-social behaviour from the city centre.

“This is a prime example of the strength of the Wakefield city centre partnership,” inspector Paul Fraser, of Wakefield Central NPT, said.

"By working closely with our partners in Wakefield council, Wakefield BID, Trinity Walk and The Ridings shopping centres, we have been able to build excellent professional relationships across the sector, educated retailers on shop security and listened to their concerns regarding active criminality.

“The charter shows our solidarity, our shared responsibility and our ambition to ensure Wakefield remains one of the safest cities in the region.”