Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is demonstrating its commitment to tackling shoplifting and organised retail crime as part of a national crackdown.
This follows the Pegasus Partnership initiative, which has so far resulted in 93 arrests, including a case in Hampshire where a prolific shoplifter was jailed for stealing over £24,000 worth of items from local Boots stores.
On the Isle of Wight, prolific thief Daniel Kilshaw was jailed for 14 weeks after his recent spate of thefts from shops in Newport.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has reaffirmed her dedication to addressing retail crime through her recently launched Police and Crime Plan. The plan prioritises support for local businesses and ensures robust action against offenders who target high streets and retail establishments.
PCC Donna Jones has said:
“Organised crime is linked to shoplifting through networks of offenders who systematically target retail stores, often across multiple regions, to steal high-value items for resale, funding broader criminal enterprises such as drug trafficking or human exploitation
“The impact of this crime is far reaching, it impacts business owners, staff, and shoppers. It threatens community safety and confidence in our high streets, and it must be stopped.
“I am proud to see the force working in partnership with national initiatives like Pegasus to bear down on those who target businesses, disrupt organised crime groups, and support victims. My Police and Crime Plan highlights this priority, and I remain committed to ensuring businesses feel protected and offenders face justice.”
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The Pegasus Partnership, a collaboration between retailers, the Home Office, and policing, centralises intelligence on organised crime groups.
Hampshire’s proactive approach aligns with the wider achievements of the Pegasus Partnership, which has so far impacted 28 organised crime groups and prevented losses exceeding £4million nationally. Opal, the national intelligence unit driving this effort, has identified over 228 offenders and supported multiple investigations across the UK.
The Constabulary and PCC’s commitment to tackling retail crime ensures safer streets, thriving businesses, and continued public confidence in the region.
I wish the same stance was taken on
Speeding motorists.