What action is the Welsh Government taking to use community policing to deter the abuse of retail workers in Rhyl?
Policing is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the UK Government. However, Welsh Government works closely with Police and Crime Commissioners and Police Forces in Wales to address community safety and crime reduction issues in Wales.
The Welsh Government’s Retail Action Plan acknowledges the issues associated with retail crime, we are working closely with members of the Retail Forum to share knowledge and best practice in tackling issues.
I understand the police are taking a number of initiatives to tackle retail crime including increasing the collaboration between policing, retailers and industry partners. This includes sharing intelligence more effectively to create a more comprehensive picture of retail crime enabling a more collaborative approach to tackling incidents. The police are also diverting offenders away from crime where possible through integrated offender management. This will help break the cycle of repeat offenders.
The UK Government has announced plans to make abuse of retail workers a specific offence, and this will extend to Wales.