Wiltshire Leads the Charge Against Retail Crime with Innovative Business Partnerships

November 13, 2025

Wiltshire is pioneering a new collaborative approach to combatting retail crime with the launch of its first Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Salisbury. This initiative brings together businesses, Wiltshire Police, local authorities, and community groups to share intelligence and resources, aiming to create a safer environment for shoppers and traders alike. The program utilizes technology like the DISC app for real-time information sharing, a strategy that other regions are also adopting to tackle the growing issue of business-related crime.

Key Takeaways

  • Collaboration between police, businesses, and local authorities is crucial for effective crime reduction.
  • Technology, such as the DISC app, plays a vital role in real-time intelligence sharing.
  • The Salisbury BCRP serves as a model for potential expansion across Wiltshire and other areas.
  • Addressing retail crime is seen as a community issue impacting livelihoods and safety.

Salisbury’s Proactive Stance

The Salisbury Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) marks a significant step in Wiltshire’s strategy to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour. Launched in Salisbury, this partnership unites over 150 businesses with Wiltshire Police, Salisbury BID, Salisbury City Council, and Wiltshire Council. The core of this initiative is the use of the DISC app, which facilitates the rapid sharing of intelligence among members and simplifies crime reporting to the police. This proactive approach aims to deter criminal activity and enhance the safety of the city centre for everyone.

Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "As budgets become tighter, we must work efficiently and effectively to make the most of our resources." He highlighted that Salisbury was chosen for the pilot due to its existing strong foundations, including the established City Watch CCTV monitoring system.

A United Front Against Crime

Retail crime is a widespread concern, with businesses in Salisbury reporting increasing levels of abuse and threats towards staff. Bernice Ghazvin from TG Jones noted that "abuse is getting worse," while Rachel Tribbeck of HR Tribbeck & Son described staff feeling "upset and vulnerable." The BCRP aims to address these issues by fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Superintendent Lisa Maslen from the National Business Crime Centre commented that BCRPs have proven to be a "deterrent," sending a clear message that "there’s nowhere to hide." The success of the Salisbury BCRP is anticipated to lead to similar partnerships being established in other parts of Wiltshire and Swindon, strengthening the network between businesses, local policing teams, and authorities.

National Context and Future Expansion

The launch of the Salisbury BCRP coincided with the national Safer Business Action Week, a coordinated effort across the UK to tackle retail and business crime. Similar initiatives are underway in other police force areas, such as Derbyshire and Greater Manchester, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to addressing these challenges. In London, the Metropolitan Police have implemented new information-sharing agreements with Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, leading to the identification of over 90 wanted offenders in the first month alone.

The Salisbury model is seen as a benchmark for the county, with ambitions to replicate its success across Wiltshire. This collaborative strategy, combining intelligence sharing, direct reporting, and close cooperation between police and businesses, is designed to create safer, more resilient town and city centres.

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