Warwickshire Police

• On the busiest shopping day of the year, the last Saturday before Christmas, British retailers lose around £50,000 of stock every minute that’s £26.4 million in one day.
• Britain has topped the European shoplifting rankings for the past 7 years, with more than 1.5 billion worth of products being stolen every year.
• More than 700,000 Britain's shoplift every year and as a result every household in Britain will have to pay an extra £150 a year for their goods.
• 21% of shoplifters regards supermarkets as the easiest place for shoplifting followed by DIY centres.
• Razor blades are the most stolen item followed by cosmetics, alcohol, toiletries, lingerie, CDs and DVDs.

What is a Special Constable?

The Special Constabulary is a body of trained volunteers who work with and support regular police. Once they have completed their training, they have the same powers as regular officers and wear the same uniform.

• Same powers as regular officers.
• Also have day time job or duties.
• Same uniform other than distinguishing SC epaulettes.

What is ShopWatch?

ShopWatch is an innovative scheme aimed at making the High Street a safer place to visit.

• Pioneered by The Metropolitan Police with highly successful results.
• Retailers will pay staff to train as Special Constables.
• Once trained, these specials will patrol in retail areas once every fortnight.
• These Specials will also be able to conduct duties as they wish outside their working hours.
• The retailer will benefit from an in house fully trained Constable plus many more trained skills and competencies.

How does the retailer benefit?

• Police-trained staff working in store.
• A significant reduction in theft and less credit/debit card fraud.
• Significant staff personal development with no training costs for the business.
• Happy, motivated, reliable workers.
• Attracting more shoppers to the safer area.
• Having an increased, dedicated police presence in the business area.
• Positive PR through working with the community.
• Having members of your staff who are properly briefed in respect of local crime trends and working in your stores.
• Maintaining current staff, attracting new staff.

How does the force benefit?

Police Specials have the powers of a regular officer providing additional hours, arrests and community support to Warwickshire on a daily basis.

• Additional Special Constables for Warwickshire Police.
• An insight into retail theft patterns.
• Statistical information on crime prevention and success.
• A proactive step for the community to see progression.
• Enhanced police presence in retail areas.

CASE STUDY

After StopWatch officially launched in Camden, these results soon followed:

• Audited losses in both Dixons and Woolworths in Camden halved.
• One officer in his workplace prevented five cases of credit card fraud totaling an estimated would be loss of £1,500 - £2,000.
• Thousands of pounds worth of stolen goods have been recovered by the Specials.
• On average, one arrest is made per tour of duty by the ShopWatch specials.
• Staff are all very positive about the scheme, their confidence has increased helping them back in the workplace.
• Positive feedback from local retailers.
• The local community have notified a marked increase in uniformed patrols and have commented positively.

What are we asking of you?

For you (the retailer) to give a little but to gain a lot more.

• Market and identify interested and suitable applicants.
• Release that person/s for training over 16 weekends.
• Once trained and attested, release that person/s for 1 day per fortnight for a police duty.
• Continually support your officer/s and feedback all positive results to Warwickshire Police and other stores.

Will it work for me?

YES!

• ShopWatch is NOT Rigid.
• We will provide you with an annual audited history.
• You will see the results in your store and in the surrounding area.
• Together, we will make it work for everyone.

So what do I do now?

We want to make this as easy as possible for you. Use the ShopWatch team to answer your questions and get you started with no hassle.

• Collect an Employers information pack containing all details needed on the scheme and an application form.
• Talk to the team and arrange a personal presentation to your team at your store.
• Tell us how many employee packs you may need.
• Tell us any concerns you may have before signing up and during the scheme.
• Enjoy an easier, happier and more professional retail lifestyle.

...and finally REMEMBER!

• This is about YOU! Warwickshire Police do not benefit financially from this scheme. Warwickshire does benefit.
• This isn’t just in your store, this is the community and our County.
• This scheme is something to be proud of.

If you don’t do it, who is going to?

Download the above presentation as a PDF file