Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has published a retailers’ guide on how to report shoplifting via its new online form.
The Taskforce said: “We have been really encouraged by the uptake and utilisation of the online reporting form since its introduction in March of this year. However, we are still seeing some incorrect uses of the form at this time, which we would like to provide some clarity around.
“There have been instances of retailers creating a report using the form for incidents where labels on items have been switched, meaning a customer then pays less for a more expensive product. Please note, this is not a theft – it is a fraud and not suitable for reporting via the form.”
Other reports have been made, which also involve the assault or intimidation of a staff member. However, offences of this nature should be reported to Police Scotland via 999 if there is an ongoing threat of harm; 101 if the incident is no longer ongoing; or through Police Scotland’s ContactUs portal.
The online shop theft reporting form should only be used to report an individual crime, not several crimes together, highlighted the Taskforce. Full details of the stolen items’ values should be included, as well as the correct address and postcode of the affected premises. Incomplete or inaccurate information results in additional recording work for police staff and can impact on their investigative and response capabilities.
Finally, while detailed descriptions of an individual are of benefit to police inquiries, any supplementary information that speculates on vulnerabilities, backgrounds or personality traits of an offender are not required or requested, stated the Taskforce.
The new handbook explains the requirements for online reporting of shop theft and what action will Police Scotland take. It also contains information on common shoplifting techniques and advice on how to deter shoplifting and handling confrontation.
