The Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, has welcomed the Government's decision to include Suffolk in a new national pilot programme targeting the country's most prolific shop theft offenders.
The Home Office initiative will see police forces and partners working together to focus on repeat offenders responsible for a high amount of retail crime, using a combination of enforcement and monitoring measures.
Suffolk is one of 16 police force areas selected to take part in the initial phase which will run over a 12 month period.
Mr Passmore said: "It is important that we do everything we can to eradicate theft from shops and support our retailers who are too often the victims of persistent offending.
"Shop theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses large and small and affects the livelihoods of shop owners and staff.
“It can also make people feel less safe in their local high streets and town centres.
"I very much welcome this initiative and Suffolk's inclusion as one of the pilot areas.
“The additional focus on tackling prolific offenders, who are responsible for a significant amount of retail crime, is extremely positive and has the potential to make a real difference.”
Mr Passmore added: “Suffolk Constabulary currently has two dedicated retail crime teams operating across the county.
“If funding permits, we will look to see if we can expand this approach further with the aim of having a team in each policing area.
“I look forward to seeing the benefits this pilot can bring for retailers and the wider public.”