The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police, has launched a new initiative to standardise witness statements for CCTV evidence.
- Retailers are encouraged to adopt a consistent format for submitting CCTV footage through Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS).
- The standardised statement aims to streamline the process of recording and addressing shoplifting incidents.
- Shoplifting rates in England and Wales have reached record highs, prompting the introduction of these measures.
- Retailers have expressed optimism about the potential impact on shoplifting prosecutions.
The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police forces, has introduced a standardised witness statement format. This initiative is designed for retailers when submitting CCTV evidence to the police using Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS). The move is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the process of dealing with shoplifting offences.
Supt Patrick Holdaway, representing the NBCC, highlighted the inconsistency in statement formats previously used by police forces, which necessitated the creation of a uniform template. Workshops with retailers underscored the pressing need for this consistency to assist both businesses and law enforcement agencies effectively.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that shoplifting in England and Wales in 2023 has surged to its highest level since records began in 2003. This alarming trend has driven the collaborative effort to implement a standard approach.
Andrew Goodacre, Chief Executive of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), indicated the sector’s longstanding request for clearer guidance on the use of CCTV in crime reporting. He stated, “Shop theft continues to be a problem and more businesses have invested in CCTV to protect their employees and their stock.” Goodacre welcomed the initiative and urged retailers to utilise it to ensure the prosecution of offenders.
Independent retailer Andrew Chapman from Alpha Menswear in Taunton expressed that ease in crime reporting is essential, though he acknowledged challenges in police responsiveness. Chapman shared an anecdote of a recent incident, illustrating both the prevalence of shoplifting and the proactive measures taken by retailers. Similarly, Sean Partridge of Unit 17 in Cardiff and Lauren Reid from Lolo & Co in Aberdeen commented on their experiences, noting varied levels of shoplifting but shared hopes for increased effectiveness of police interventions.
The standardisation of witness statements for CCTV evidence is a vital step in addressing the increasing shoplifting rates and enhancing prosecutorial processes.
