Through targeted police operations, close collaboration with local businesses, and public awareness efforts, the campaign showed how effective teamwork can improve safety on the ground.
Retail Crime Day of Action
One of the main highlights of the fortnight was the Retail Crime Day of Action, which brought together the Croydon Metropolitan Police team and town centre businesses to focus on shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and public safety.
- 19 police officers took part in the operation – both in uniform and plain clothes.
- Over 45 people attended the morning briefing, including businesses like Primark, Next, Tesco, H&M, Iceland, and Holland & Barrett.
- The day focused on tackling street drinking, repeat offenders, and supporting those in need.
Results from the day included:
- 3 arrests (including one for carrying a blade and one for shoplifting)
- 1 Community Protection Notice issued
- Police responded to reports of pickpocketing at Primark and a fight on North End
- 8 fines issued for street drinking (PSPO breaches)
- 5 stop and searches carried out
Outreach service Change Grow Live also supported the operation, engaging with over 30 individuals who were rough sleeping or struggling with alcohol or drugs – helping to carry out welfare checks and offer support in the heat.
Supporting Businesses
Croydon BID’s Street Ranger spent the fortnight visiting businesses across the town centre to talk about the support available through the Croydon Business Crime Reduction Partnership (CBCP). As a result, 10 new businesses joined the partnership, gaining access to shared intelligence and tools to improve local safety.
On Thursday 17th July, Croydon BID also hosted the Summer Safety Summit – a well-attended event bringing together over 35 representatives from major businesses including BOXPARK, McDonald’s, Sainsbury’s, and Unibail-Rodamco Westfield (URW).
The summit included updates from:
- MET Police on current policing plans and new facial recognition technology
- URW on retail crime trends and data
- Croydon Council on its Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy
- Youth outreach and street support teams
- Croydon BID’s own services and safety initiatives
Attendees praised the event for being informative, honest, and solution-focused. A follow-up summit is already being planned for six months’ time to keep the conversation and collaboration going.
The Safer Summer Fortnight campaign showed just how much can be achieved when organisations work together. Croydon BID will continue working with partners to maintain and improve safety in Croydon, all year round.
