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Press Release

MP'S JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST RETAIL CRIME

MP's from all over the country are today (5 July) showing their support for combating retail crime - a problem that cost the retail sector a massive £1.96 billion in 2003.

The MP's attending the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Summer Parliamentary Reception, which this year focuses on retail crime, will hear sponsors ShopWatch highlight the enormous challenges retailers face on a day-to-day basis and how retailers and police are joining forces to fight crime in stores and on the streets.

Brian Paddick, Deputy Assistant Commissioner from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: "ShopWatch is an excellent example of how we can work together to reduce crime in retail areas, not just theft and fraud that takes place in stores, but on-street crime in those high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.

"The simple concept of taking store staff, equipped with extensive retail knowledge who are retail savvy, and training them to become Special Constables, patrolling one a fortnight with experienced officers; has already proved to be a very worthwhile concept. The retail industry and the public are already seeing the difference in-stores and on the streets."

BRC Director General, Kevin Hawkins, said: "The BRC has long urged the Government to take retail crime more seriously, to implement stronger penalties to deter criminals and to keep the promises they make on cutting crime. Retail crime is far from victimless and has a devastating impact on staff well-being and business viability. We are delighted so many MP's have come along today to show their interest and support."



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British Retail Consortium

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