Strathclyde Police has relaunched its Hard Target initiative at the Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow.
Now in its fifth year, the campaign aims to crack down on all aspects of retail and business crime during the festive season. Shoplifting, fraud and petty thefts will all be targeted during the month-long initiative, which will operate across the city centre.
With more than two million shoppers expected to descend on Scotland’s retail capital during December, police say they want to ensure that people enjoy a crime-free visit. Throughout the crackdown, there will be what police call an increased presence across the city centre in an effort to reassure festive shoppers and retailers and to deter career criminals who prey on the public and businesses.
Crime figures
Strathclyde Police reports that it has substantially reduced retail crime in the city centre since the launch of Hard Target in 2000. In the year of the launch of Hard Target in November 2000, there were 4,379 retail crimes involving shoplifting and fraud in the city centre. Since then, this figure has consistently reduced, falling to the current figure for 2005 of 2,599. This represents a total reduction in retail crime of 37pc for shoplifting and 39pc for fraud over the five years.
Speaking
Chief Supt David Christie, divisional commander of Glasgow Central and West Division, said: "We are working closely with city centre retailers to prevent known thieves from entering their premises. We want to encourage shoppers to come to Glasgow city centre and enjoy their visit. Your safety is our primary concern and my officers will be out in force to make sure that you have a good day out in the run up to the festivities. Strathclyde Police is committed to targeting shoplifters and crimes involving fraud throughout the year, not just in the run-up to Christmas."
Alan Dobie, executive director, Scottish Business Crime Centre, added: "I am delighted to support the Hard Target initiative. Since its launch in 2000, it has been of tremendous benefit to both the retail and business communities in Glasgow and indeed to the general public. The concept behind Hard Target is superb and the results speak for themselves. The Scottish Business Crime Centre will fully support the initiative during this busy festive period and I’m sure it will result in a continued success."
Staff training
Presentations have been made to around 16,000 retail staff in the city centre since the initiative’s introduction, with more than 100 staff being trained every week. Many of the city’s major stores have backed the campaign.
Mr Hamish Millar, general manager of Buchanan Galleries, said: "Hard Target is a key influence on the way we do business in the Buchanan Galleries all year round. Since we introduced Hard Target, there has been a substantial drop in losses from all of the retailers who have embraced the training. More importantly, though, particularly as we gear up for the busiest time of the year, it gives us confidence that we are safeguarding all of our staff and valuable customers."
