Levels of crime in Angel are generally falling. However, shoplifting is on the rise. The BID’s recent crime survey of our levy-payers concurred with this, with 68% of respondents reporting an increase in thefts and 57% seeing it happen weekly. The BID and our police team agree this is unacceptable and we need to use all our available powers to reverse this. You will already have seen the BID has reviewed its patrolling service and Gerry Morgan, our Business Crime Manager, is now supported by Business Crime Officers supplied by Parkguard Ltd. We have been actively encouraging businesses to report shoplifting offences so that we can understand the scale of the problem and identify offenders. You also told us in the survey that 78% of the incidents you witnessed were carried out by repeat offenders, however only 42% of businesses reported all incidents, leaving the police unaware and unable to pursue the majority of offences. The BID officers are helping collate profiles of these regular offenders to ensure that cases are linked and that they are made accountable for their crimes. Since August, three of these offenders have been brought to court. The most recent case has been against a prolific female shoplifter who was detained by the Business Crime Officers and then charged by police. She was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison as good evidence could be put forward to support the prosecution. More police resources are being added and it’s hoped that each of our businesses who are regularly affected, will be allocated a nominated PCSO in the next few weeks to act as a link. You can help by:

• Joining our WhatsApp group.
• Reporting all shoplifting offences.
• Maintaining your CCTV and sharing it with the police.
• Be willing to be a witness when cases go to court.

The BID is also looking for businesses who would be prepared to give feedback on our service and policing. If you are interested, email Jan@angelislington.london or Gerry@angelislington.london.