Partnership Approach Strengthens Fight Against Business and Retail Crime in Sussex

A coordinated partnership between police, businesses and national organisations is playing an increasingly important role in tackling business and retail crime across Sussex. Led by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, the approach brings together retailers, local authorities and law enforcement to share intelligence, improve reporting and target repeat offenders more effectively. The strategy […]

A coordinated partnership between police, businesses and national organisations is playing an increasingly important role in tackling business and retail crime across Sussex.

Led by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, the approach brings together retailers, local authorities and law enforcement to share intelligence, improve reporting and target repeat offenders more effectively. The strategy reflects growing concern over shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and violence against retail workers.

At the heart of this work is the Safer Sussex Business Partnership, which unites businesses of all sizes with policing teams to address the root causes of crime and strengthen prevention efforts. By encouraging better communication and collaboration, the initiative aims to ensure offenders are identified more quickly and that businesses feel supported in reporting incidents.

Specialist policing resources have also been introduced, including dedicated business crime teams that focus on investigating offences, gathering intelligence and working directly with affected businesses. These teams operate across multiple districts, helping to coordinate responses and identify patterns in offending

Technology is a key part of the response. Digital systems now allow businesses to submit evidence such as CCTV footage quickly, while streamlined reporting tools reduce duplication and improve the accuracy of data shared with police. This enables faster action against offenders and helps build stronger cases for prosecution.

Partnership schemes such as Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and Business Improvement Districts are also contributing to safer town centres. These initiatives bring businesses together with police and councils to share real-time information, deploy security measures and deter criminal activity.

Beyond Sussex, collaboration is extending to national efforts targeting organised retail crime. Through initiatives such as the Pegasus Partnership, police and major retailers are working together to disrupt organised crime groups, with intelligence-sharing playing a central role in identifying offenders operating across different regions.

Officials say the partnership-led model is essential in responding to the evolving nature of business crime, particularly as offences become more organised and complex. By combining resources, expertise and data, the aim is to create safer environments for businesses, employees and customers alike.

As these partnerships continue to expand, authorities hope the increased cooperation will not only reduce crime but also build confidence among businesses to report incidents and engage with policing efforts.