Police have been encouraging retailers to report thefts
By Lucy Frost
Shop thefts at Shield Retail Park remain a policing priority in Filton, with neighbourhood beat officers continuing work with retailers and planned enforcement activity.
Officers have spent several months encouraging businesses to report shoplifting offences, however, some shops have not engaged in the initiative, community reports have revealed.
The priority has since extended to units in Abbeywood Retail Park.
Police announced plans for a shoplifting operation in April, however the initiative was later delayed because of staffing levels.
In June, officers stated that the operation had been rescheduled, although subsequent reports do not clarify whether it took place.
Despite various efforts, shop theft remained a policing priority in the September report.
The monthly reports outline pushes to encourage retailers to report crimes and upload CCTV.
In March, there was an increase in thefts from 15 to 23, however, the report states that “this could be down to the encouragement of reporting”.
By June, the police distributed QR codes to retailers “to improve and streamline the process of reporting thefts”, and consequently officers reported a noticeable increase in theft reports.
According to neighbourhood policing reports, Matalan has made use of a reporting system introduced by officers, while police said they had received no feedback from SPAR.
The local beat team continues to hold regular “Talk to Us” sessions in the area. The remaining sessions this year will take place on October 29, November 10 and December 16.
Crime statistics for September 2026
Arson/criminal damage: 1
Burglary: 4
Drug offences: 1
Public order offences: 2
Robbery: 1
Sexual offences: 1
Theft: 15
Vehicle offences: 5
Violence against the person: 20
Crime against the society: 2
Weapons: 0