Suffolk police say they will be targeting prolific offenders who commit retail crime with the help of local businesses across the county.

The first Suffolk Retail Crime Forum took place at Ipswich Town Football Club on Thursday with discussions between Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, Tim Passmore. Suffolk's police and crime commissioner, and leaders of Suffolk businesses. 

The event explored how police can work collectively with businesses to protect and safeguard frontline staff against retail crime and aggression, as well as educate people to the crimes that affect businesses.

Representatives from Ipswich Business Improvement Districts, Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement Districts, ShopSafe, Ipswich Town Foundation and the Co-Op Group were present.

Supt Andy Martin said: “We continue to work to tackle shoplifting and including using preventative powers such as the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to tackle persistent offenders, use of Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders.

“We would always urge victims of retail or business crime to report it. For example, shoplifting is a crime whatever the value of the item stolen and can result in a criminal conviction, which can have a serious impact on someone’s life.

READ MORE: Suffolk and Essex Crime News

"We understand this behaviour is simply unacceptable as it ultimately can threaten the future of the business affected.”

Mr Passmore said: “There is never an excuse for violence and intimidation against retail staff or theft of goods in any circumstances.

"There is now a strong commitment for us all to work together utilising new technologies, better data and information exchanges and using examples of best practices nationwide to prevent retail crime and bring offenders to justice."