BCRP Awareness Week: A Unified Approach to Tackling Shoplifting and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brighton

Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour (ASB) are persistent challenges for businesses across the UK, impacting retail staff, customers, and the wider community. In Brighton, we take a proactive and collaborative approach to addressing these issues, ensuring businesses are supported, offenders are held accountable, and our city remains a safe place to work and shop.

A Connected Network for Rapid Response

At the heart of our strategy is real-time communication between businesses, security teams, Sussex Police, and the local authority. Our BCRP radio network allows retailers to instantly share intelligence on offenders, report incidents as they happen, and request immediate support from the police or security teams. Police officers also carry BCRP radios, enabling quicker interventions and a greater presence in retail spaces.

Intelligence-Led Prevention

Through our secure intelligence-sharing platform, we track repeat offenders, identify emerging crime patterns, and work with businesses to deter criminal activity before it escalates. Our data-driven approach means that prolific offenders can be recognied and intercepted, preventing them from causing further harm.

We also operate an Exclusion which prohibits persistent offenders from entering any BCRP-member business within the city. This approach not only disrupts criminal behaviour but also reassures staff and customers those steps are being taken to maintain a safe shopping environment.

Warning Letters for Proactive Deterrence

As part of our comprehensive strategy, we send warning letters to individuals identified as engaging in shoplifting or anti-social behaviour. These letters are a clear signal that their actions are being monitored, and that continued misconduct will result in further sanctions, including the possibility of an Exclusion. This early warning system is an effective deterrent, often preventing repeat offenses and helping to reduce crime in the area.

A study by the University of Gloucester found that 76% of people that received a warning did not go on to reoffend.

Early Intervention & Supporting Young Offenders

Many incidents of ASB involve young people who may be vulnerable, exploited, or disengaged from positive support networks. Rather than relying solely on punitive measures, we work in partnership with schools, youth services, and local support agencies to address the root causes of ASB. Our early intervention strategies ensure that young people at risk of entering a cycle of offending are given opportunities to make better choices.

Partnership Working & Business Support

We believe that tackling shoplifting and ASB is most effective when businesses, police, and local services work together. We provide businesses with:

✅ Incident Reporting & Training – Ensuring staff know how to respond safely and report incidents effectively.

✅ Regular Crime Briefings – Sharing intelligence on local offenders and crime trends.

✅ Joint Operations with Sussex Police – Coordinated days of action targeting known offenders and hotspots.

✅ Victim Support & Crime Prevention Advice – Helping businesses navigate reporting procedures and implement crime deterrents.

Building a Safer Future for Brighton

Shoplifting and ASB don’t just impact businesses—they affect the safety and well-being of everyone in the city. By working together, sharing information, and taking a firm but fair approach to repeat offenders, we are creating a hostile environment for crime while ensuring that those in need of support get access to the right services.

For businesses looking to enhance their security and be part of a proactive crime reduction network, joining the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership is a step towards a safer, stronger community.

📌 Want to know more? Contact us to find out how BCRP membership can help protect your business.