Dorset Police have put together a new flow chart to help businesses report shoplifting quickly and correctly, and we wanted to share it with you directly.
Here’s what it covers:
If there’s danger, violence, or the offender is still there: call 999 straight away.
If there’s no immediate danger: gather what evidence you can, including CCTV footage, a staff statement, a photo of the offender if it’s safe to take one, and any receipts or details of the theft.
Then report it, either through Dorset Police’s website at dorset.police.uk, or through SentrySIS, the BID’s free crime platform, which passes your report straight to Dorset Police for you.
If you’re not signed up to SentrySIS yet, it’s free and quick, and it’s the fastest way to get your evidence to Dorset Police’s Retail Crime Team.
Once you’ve reported it, Dorset Police will send you a link to complete a crime pack and upload any CCTV footage. Their Retail Crime Team reviews it, and if it’s complete, the case moves towards prosecution.
If the offender is linked to repeat theft or serious harm, the case gets escalated to Operation Shopkeeper, which brings together evidence from multiple incidents to build a stronger case.
We’ve attached the full flow chart below, it’s worth printing a copy for your till point or staff room.
Want to learn more about Sentry SIS?
We’re here to support you
If you need help accessing SentrySIS or want to find out more, please contact the Coastal BID team. Let’s work together to create a safe, successful, and thriving summer for our coastal businesses.
Thank you for helping us create safer, stronger and more resilient coastal trading areas.
Kind regards,
Coastal BID Team