Pilot suggests faster evidence sharing is driving positive outcomes…

The Metropolitan Police has reported early success from a new digital crime reporting system designed to accelerate investigations into shoplifting and improve outcomes across London.

The technology, currently being piloted in areas including Lewisham and central London, enables retailers to upload incident reports and CCTV footage in real time. This gives officers immediate access to evidential material at the point a crime is reported, allowing for quicker identification of suspects – particularly prolific offenders operating across multiple locations.

The move reflects a growing focus on intelligence-led policing within the retail sector. Industry data indicates that a relatively small cohort of offenders is responsible for a disproportionate share of crime: around 10% of individuals account for nearly 70% of retail theft nationwide. These repeat offenders are also significantly more likely to be involved in violent incidents.

Since introducing the system, the Met says its “positive outcome rate”, which includes arrests, charges, and convictions, has risen to 21.4%. This compares to a previous average of 14%, suggesting a marked improvement in case resolution.

Commenting, Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said, “Strong partnership with retailers is essential. When crimes are reported promptly and CCTV is shared quickly, officers can take decisive action”.

The news follows remarks made earlier this month by the Met’s lead for retail crime, Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, who highlighted ongoing challenges around evidence sharing. He noted that in many cases, requested footage and supporting materials are not provided, making investigations significantly harder to progress.

Those comments prompted wider industry debate, with some retailers pushing back against what was perceived as a “blame game”, while others acknowledged that inconsistent reporting processes and legacy systems can hinder timely evidence submission.

As has become abundantly clear at Retail Risk shows, alongside police-led initiatives many retailers are increasing investment in their own security measures, including facial recognition technology, advanced analytics platforms, and enhanced in-store surveillance, as part of broader efforts to deter theft and protect staff.