In the run up to Christmas the Undercover Security Officers have increased their presence in Putney to ensure we can reduce the massive increase in shoplifting. The My Local Bobby Prolific Crime Team (PCT), have made a significant impact this year, recently having hit the one year mile stone of working in Putney. The summer survey of businesses identified this service as the highest priority amongst business owners and managers. Not so much for the need to recover stock but to ensure employees feel safe doing their job.
They have been patrolling in Putney town centre since November 2023, working to spot potential offenders and prevent crime. Over the last month, they have seen a big surge in shoplifters either stealing products to order or to be sold on. These are not people that are shoplifting to survive.
Key Roles include:
- Undercover Patrols and Stopping Offenders: Team members blend in with shoppers, keeping a keen eye out for any suspicious activity. When someone is spotted, they step in to catch offenders, recover the stolen goods and return to the store. The team are both proactive and reactive to intelligence about offenders.
- Collecting and Providing Evidence: Using body-worn cameras and CCTV footage, the team will gather the necessary evidence to build strong cases for court prosecution. They play a key role in supporting legal proceedings by providing critical evidence, ensuring that cases can move forward and offenders are held accountable
- Issuing Banning Notices: They issue banning notices to offenders for specific business premises, or whole streets. They have issued a number of banning notices for all of Putney High Street, and a few for the whole BID area. This gives a strong message to repeat offenders
- The team collaborate closely with local business security teams and the Metropolitan Police
In an eight hour shift the average recovery of goods is £160 regularly dealing with four incidences in a shift.
The undercover officers are funded by the BID levy paid by Putney businesses. This initiative highlights a continued commitment to making Putney a safer place for employees, residents and visitors. The team are employed by My Local Bobby who work with BIDs across the South West to combat retail crime, and create safer communities.