An organised retail crime busting unit has made 237 arrests within its first two years of operation, it has revealed, resulting in more than 118 years’ worth of prison sentences handed out.
The organised retail crime team within Opal – the police force’s national intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime – has identified 605 offenders since it launched in May 2024, and recovered tens of thousands of pounds worth of stolen goods, it said. Its work has also led to 22 deportations.
“Two years from its launch, the Opal team has delivered some significant blows to organised retail crime gangs,” said Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. “This unique national intelligence unit has shown just what police can achieve by being bold, thinking differently and working in partnership with the retail industry.
“I am delighted that the commitment and support we received from retailers has paid off, with a huge reduction in crimes against the sector and an excellent picture of the crime gangs causing the highest harm,” she added.
The arrests were made over the course of 84 operations by the unit, which is funded by the Home Office and the Pegasus Partnership – a collaboration between retailers and the police.
The offenders nabbed by the unit have been identified for being responsible for £9.4m in losses to retailers. Its work has led to 96 property seizures, including 48 vehicles and £43.8k of stolen goods recovered.
Among the organised crime groups referred into the unit, there has been a 73% reduction in offending, Opal said.
That reduction “demonstrates a clear impact in disrupting these high-harm networks”, said Stephanie Coombes, head of intelligence for Opal.
Since launch the unit has followed up on 203 referrals from retailers and police forces.
“The team takes referrals from retailers of any size, whether they are part of the Pegasus Partnership or not, and will work in different ways to develop intelligence,” Coombes said. “This could be as simple as identifying an offender, linked offenders and/or vehicles through the Police National Database, looking at patterns of offending and MOs which are repeated, and working with retailers to share information packs about prolific offenders.”
“The team will then support police forces through an investigation, sharing intelligence, but also working with the Crown Prosecution Service and additional agencies as required,” she added.
Last year, the Home Office announced significant funding to combat retail crime though various initiatives, including £5m to fund Opal’s ORC unit until March 2028.
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