York and North Yorkshire Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime join Policing Minister to hear about new plans to tackle retail crime.
The summit, in collaboration with The Co-op Group and USDAW (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers), brought together Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors and Deputy Mayors, retailers and other stakeholders.
Dame Diana Johnson MP, Policing Minister, delivered 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 was the Minister’s first time addressing an event specifically on retail crime.
The event also provided 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.”
Read Diana Johnson’s speech
Time is Running Out to Have Your Say on Local POLICE and FIRE Priorities.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, are asking for the public’s help in setting the priorities for North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They are asking people to share their views online
Click here to Have Your Say on local POLICE and FIRE prioritiesConsultation closes on Monday 18 November.