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# Ipswich police and businesses unite to tackle retail crime ahead of Safer Business Week
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-police-and-businesses-unite-to-tackle-retail-crime/
- Published: 2024-10-14T07:14:14.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:33:04.000Z
- Description: Suffolk police hosted a forum to address retail crime, bringing together law enforcement, businesses, and community organisations. The event showcased collaborative efforts to protect staff and combat theft.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, #article, Ipswich Central, Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, Rachel Kearton, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** Retail crime affects local businesses, their staff, and the broader community. This initiative aims to address these issues in Ipswich and Suffolk proactively.

**The big picture:** The Suffolk Retail Crime Forum, held at Ipswich Town Football Club, precedes Safer Business Week (14-20 October), a national week of action focused on retail crime prevention.

**Key details:**

- Chief Constable Rachel Kearton and Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore opened the event.
- Presentations covered targeting organised crime and using technology to improve communication between businesses.
- The Ipswich Town Foundation discussed their Divert and Kicks programmes, which aim to steer young people away from crime.
- Discussions focused on securing retail parks, tackling retail crime from retailers' perspectives, and how Business Improvement Districts can support national efforts.

**What they're saying:**

Supt Andy Martin: "This event was an opportunity to revitalise our collective commitment to tackle retail and business crime. Our local figures show roughly three quarters of retail crime relates to theft, while a quarter relates to an element of violence used and all too often, sadly, it is a combination of both."

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner: "The whole day was very informative and an excellent example of how a joint approach from business, voluntary and the public sector can come together and tackle this form of criminality."

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central: "Having recently started in my role, I am reassured to see the commitment by police with this collaborative working approach and with this initiative it is a positive step forward to reinforce that commitment."

**What's next:** During Safer Business Week, police will engage with retailers, provide crime prevention advice, conduct high-visibility patrols, and gather intelligence. They'll encourage businesses to report incidents online and use the Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) to share evidence electronically.

**The bottom line:** This forum marks a significant step in Ipswich's fight against retail crime, emphasising collaboration between police, businesses, and community organisations to create safer retail environments.

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