Tagging Trouble: Sussex Leads the Charge Against Serial Shoplifters

Sussex is set to become a national trailblazer in the fight against shoplifting, as Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne unveils a bold new pilot project to electronically tag the county’s most persistent offenders. Bourne, who also serves as the national PCC lead for business and retail crime, says enough is enough when it comes […]

Sussex is set to become a national trailblazer in the fight against shoplifting, as Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne unveils a bold new pilot project to electronically tag the county’s most persistent offenders.

Bourne, who also serves as the national PCC lead for business and retail crime, says enough is enough when it comes to the damage shoplifters cause to businesses and communities. Drawing on her own commercial experience, she’s pushing for tougher, tech-led measures to keep repeat offenders off the high street.

“I first called for electronic tagging to become ‘business as usual’ in tackling persistent shoplifters two years ago,” Bourne said. “I’ve become impatient waiting for Government to make a decision, so I’ve decided to pioneer this project with Sussex Police myself. Shoplifting not only destroys livelihoods for independent retailers but also erodes the culture of our high streets.”

The initiative will use Buddi Tags — GPS-enabled devices already deployed in Sussex for stalking protection orders — to monitor offenders’ movements and prevent them from entering areas where they’ve committed crimes. Detective Inspector Martin Harmer, who has a track record of bringing innovative tech into Sussex Police, will spearhead the pilot.

“This project seeks to stop persistent shoplifters from even accessing the areas where they commit their crimes,” Bourne added. “We’ve already made progress — police reporting is higher, solved rates are up, and platforms like DISC and One-Touch Reporting are strengthening trust between retailers and police. Now we’re taking it a step further.”

DI Harmer said the combination of targeted support and strict monitoring could be a game changer: “The addition of GPS tagging will strengthen incentives for people to stop offending and give us more tools to enforce compliance.”

If successful, the Sussex pilot could provide a blueprint for tackling shoplifting across the UK — sending a clear message to habitual offenders: the days of easy pickings are over.