Sussex Police Lead the Way with Groundbreaking GPS Tagging for Prolific Shoplifters

As reported earlier this week, Sussex Police have become the first force in the country to fit GPS monitoring tags to prolific shoplifters as part of a pioneering initiative aimed at cutting retail crime and reoffending rates. The pilot scheme, launched under Operation STOP (Shop Theft Offender Project), will see repeat shoplifters fitted with discreet […]

As reported earlier this week, Sussex Police have become the first force in the country to fit GPS monitoring tags to prolific shoplifters as part of a pioneering initiative aimed at cutting retail crime and reoffending rates.

The pilot scheme, launched under Operation STOP (Shop Theft Offender Project), will see repeat shoplifters fitted with discreet Buddi ankle tags that track their movements in real time. The tags are designed to deter further offending and allow officers to respond immediately to any breaches, tampering, or entry into restricted areas.

Chief Superintendent Katy Woolford said the project was about protecting local businesses and communities from the significant impact of persistent theft. “Shoplifting has an enormous impact on businesses and the wider community. These monitoring tags allow us to take a proactive approach, holding offenders accountable while giving victims and businesses greater confidence,” she said.

The system works through Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) and agreements with probation services. Offenders may be restricted from entering specific stores or areas through exclusion zones built into the tagging conditions. Alerts are automatically sent to police if a tagged individual enters a prohibited area or attempts to remove the device.

Two prolific offenders have already been fitted with the tags.

Victoria Hale, aged 50, from Eastbourne, was convicted of 12 shoplifting offences and sentenced at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 19 September. She must now wear a Buddi tag for 12 months, which includes a 30-metre exclusion zone around the Co-Op in Albert Road, Eastbourne.

Barry Farthing, aged 41, from Hastings, admitted 46 counts of theft from shops following a spree across East Sussex between August and September. He also had 76 previous shoplifting-related charges earlier in the year. On 1 October, Farthing was sentenced to eight months in jail and will be tagged for 12 months upon release. His order bans him from entering any Co-Op or Tesco store in East Sussex and from going within 40 metres of the Co-Op in Parkstone Parade, Hastings.

Police say the technology provides vital evidence when offenders breach conditions and allows them to target those causing the most harm to retailers. The initiative forms part of a wider crackdown on shop theft, which has risen sharply across the UK.

Supporters of the pilot argue that GPS tracking will act as a strong deterrent and help police identify offenders quickly, reducing time spent on repeat investigations. Businesses hope the system will make town centres safer and lessen the financial burden of theft.

However, the move also raises questions about privacy, proportionality, and long-term effectiveness. Civil liberties groups have urged transparency around how data is collected, stored, and used. There are also practical considerations such as cost, technical reliability, and the potential for offenders to shift activity elsewhere.

Despite these concerns, Sussex Police believe the scheme represents a major step forward in tackling repeat offending. If successful, it could pave the way for similar measures to be introduced by other forces across the UK.

“This is about innovation, accountability, and supporting our communities,” Chief Superintendent Woolford added. “By combining technology with strong local partnerships, we can help prevent crime and protect the people and businesses of Sussex.”