Working together to beat retail crime

The London Borough of Bexley recently held a Retail Crime Summit in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, bringing together retailers from across the borough.

The summit was organised in response to growing concerns about retail crime and served as an essential platform for collaboration, education and solutionbuilding among local businesses.

The event featured a series of presentations and workshops led by the Metropolitan Police. Local retailers also had the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges related to theft and anti-social behaviour, fostering a collective approach to combat these issues.

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, said: "Supporting our local businesses is a top priority. By working with the Metropolitan Police and our retailers, we are committed to creating a safer environment for all, ensuring Bexley's high streets remain vibrant and welcoming."

Acting Superintendent Rav Pathania, Met Police Retail Crime Lead, who led the summit said: “Retail crime is far from early beneficiaries, shared: “Working with Helen Roberts of CPG has made me believe that my dreams of becoming a successful business owner can come true. Having a mentor has helped me overcome my anxiety and feel confident about my business journey”.

If your business has been established for more than 12 months there is alternative support available through other Talking Business support services. Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/talkingbusiness to find out more.

To learn more about the Bexley Business Start-up Support Programme visit https://mygrowthpod.com/bexley victimless; store employees and local communities suffer the consequences daily. By working collaborative with retailers and local partners, we can aim to focus on matters that concern our communities and target our most prolific and persistent offenders.”

For more information on future events or to get involved, contact the Bexley Town Centres team at towncentres@bexley.gov.uk