|
Dorset Police is taking part in the national Safer Business Action Week to highlight its efforts in tackling business and retail crime across local communities.
The week of action, co-ordinated by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), is taking place between Monday 9 November and Sunday 15 November 2026.
As part of the initiative, police and partners will be running Safer Business Action Days throughout the week, visiting local retailers and other businesses to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face.
For the first time, four national campaigns are joining together for Safer Business Action Week, with the NBCC, Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), trade union Usdaw and Retail Trust working together to strengthen efforts to protect retail workers from violence, abuse and intimidation.
During the week, neighbourhood policing teams in Dorset will be carrying out targeted enforcement focused on prolific offenders as well as crime prevention visits, increased patrols in hotspot areas and business engagement events to encourage and provide support with reporting incidents.
Recent statistics show that in the past year shoplifting offences in Dorset have fallen by 7.8 per cent, against a national average of two per cent, with the Force’s positive outcome rate for shoplifting offences increasing by nearly 18 per cent over the past year.
The work of Dorset Police’s Incident Resolution Centre is enabling a faster response to reports of theft, supporting victims sooner and ensuring prolific offenders are taken off the streets.
A new NiCE digital evidence platform was also introduced earlier this year, making it easier for Dorset retailers to report offences and submit evidence directly to police.
Inspector Ged Want, of Dorset Police, said: “This week of action is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the full extent of the work officers and staff are undertaking to tackle retail and business crime, while positively engaging with businesses in our communities.
“We want to use this week to build on the relationships we have with our retailers to help support them and target those who cause the most harm to businesses.
“While this week is an opportunity to highlight activity, it is important to note that this work is taking place all year round and officers work every day to tackle issues facing businesses and their customers.
“We recognise that shoplifting and retail crimes can often be underreported, which is why we are committed to ensuring business owners and staff in Dorset have confidence in reporting to us and we would always encourage all retail crimes to be reported to us.
“Doing so allows us to build stronger cases and bring offenders to justice to protect businesses and the public.”
All retailers in Dorset are encouraged to register for NiCE Investigate and make full use of the online reporting portal. Support and training are available through the Retail Crime Team.
To register for NiCE Investigate or to report retail crime online visit the Dorset Police website. Information can also be reported via 101 or if a crime is in progress, always dial 999. If you wish to report anonymously, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Sign up to Business Watch through Dorset Alert
Business Watch is delivered through Dorset Alert, Dorset Police's free two-way messaging system that keeps businesses informed about local crime trends, policing activity, and crime prevention advice.
By joining Business Watch, you'll receive timely updates relevant to your area and sector, helping you stay informed, protect your business, and work alongside Dorset Police to keep local communities safe.
The more businesses that sign up, the stronger our network becomes, enabling us to share important information quickly and encourage greater collaboration in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
Join Business Watch here:
https://members.dorsetalert.co.uk/QrJoin/BC757524-FF6E-4B78-BD8D-71AB31387575 
| 
