reception@sgfscot.co.uk

Reporting Crime

Don't Put Up With It > Reporting Crime

How to report retail crime

If you have been the victim of retail crime, Police Scotland advises you take the following steps:

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Call 999 or 101.

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Ensure any staff member who requires medical attention as a result of crime, receives is. This takes precedence.

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Protect – and do not touch – anything which has been touched by a suspect to allow the opportunity for crime scene management.

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If police cannot attend write down some notes eg date/time of incident, description of suspect, clothing worn, weapon carried, anything said, etc as it is easy to forget. In any case, officers will interview all potential witnesses to understand what they saw/heard and this will involve probing questions.

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Make CCTV evidence available for police to remove from the premises.  It’s important to know how long each premises retains its CCTV – some are 24 hours, 7 days, 28 days. Shopworkers/managers must secure the CCTV so that it is not over-written prior to police attendance. CCTV is the best evidence in court.

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You can help

Justice for retail staff

Customers can support the campaign against retail crime - and encourage respect for Scotland’s shop workers - by helping bring offenders to justice.

If you witness a crime against a shop worker, or have any information about those responsible for a retail crime, please contact Police Scotland on 101. Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

More details about Crimestoppers can be found at

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www.crimestoppers-uk.org