Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews invited Uppingham’s new beat officer to join him in a walkabout to discuss local concerns about retail crime.
The duo talked to retailers who have recently been the target of shoplifting and other retail crimes and discussed the proactive work being undertaken by neighbourhood officers to crackdown on offending.
The walkabout incorporated visits to the Co-Op food store in North East Street and the One Stop convenience store in High Street West as well as Rhubarb Gift Shop.
Businesses have previously voiced concerns to the Town Council about shoplifting, threats to retail staff and the vandalism of the cash machine (still not repaired) and the issues were discussed at a recent town meeting, attended by the PCC.
Mr Matthews also met Uppingham Mayor, Cllr Dave Ainslie and his Deputy, Cllr Mark Shaw to show the concerns raised at the meeting were being acted upon.
Business Crime is a key priority in the PCC’s new Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner vowing to do everything in his power to reduce shoplifting and to eliminate assaults on shopworkers.
The PCC is also committed to ensuring businesses are equipped with the information they need to protect themselves from crime and has pledged to work with the force to ensure businesses can report crime easily.
Mr Matthews said: “I was pleased to be able to visit some of the businesses I spoke to at the recent town meeting so that they could hear what was being done to address their concerns.
“Protecting retailers and their employees from crime is a responsibility I take very seriously. I engage with businesses and town centre partners frequently and I understand the frustration and distress shop owners face when their livelihoods come under constant threat.
“Shoplifting hurts businesses and it hurts the economy. It puts the jobs of honest and hard-working people on the line. I’ve worked hard to increase support for businesses, listening to their experiences and talking through possible solutions with partners. We will be following up these issues with the wider neighbourhood team and considering what other measures are needed.”
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Sallie Blair
Better Times
Telephone 01283 821012
Mobile 07702 541401
Posted on Tuesday 20th May 2025