Gloucestershire Police says it has increased action against shoplifting, with both its charge rate and solved rate above national averages between May and July 2026. The force says the approach is intended to protect retail workers, customers and businesses, while focusing particularly on prolific offenders.

The figures were published in a Stroud Times report dated September 22, 2026. Across the three-month period, Gloucestershire’s average charge rate was 19.38%, compared with a national average of 16.4%. The force’s average solved rate was 24.72%, also above the national average.

In July 2026, police sought 94 shoplifting charges, compared with 36 in July 2025. The increase follows the launch of Operation Express in December 2025, a process designed to streamline how officers deal with some shoplifting cases.

How Operation Express works

Under the approach, officers can charge or summons an eligible suspect without conducting an interview when a specific set of conditions is met. Police say this allows them to take prompt and robust action while supporting confidence among retailers and other local businesses.

A suspect can only be dealt with through the process when all the required safeguards apply. These include:

  • There is no intelligence linking the person to modern slavery.
  • The Full Code Test is met and all available evidence, apart from a suspect interview, has been obtained.
  • Clear CCTV shows the offence.
  • The suspect has been clearly and unambiguously identified.
  • The person is not eligible for an out-of-court disposal.
  • The suspect is aged 18 or over.

The force said the process is already well embedded nationally and has been tested with key partner agencies involved. It said the aim is to deal swiftly with offences and help safeguard the retail sector and members of the public.

Police acknowledge complex causes

Deputy retail crime lead Chief Inspector Ash Shingler said shoplifting was not a victimless crime, while recognising that the reasons behind offences can vary.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and a lot of positive action has taken place across Gloucestershire over recent months.”

He said some offenders were driven by financial hardship or economic pressure and might steal essentials such as food or clothing. Others, he said, stole goods to sell to fund addictions involving drugs or other substances.

“While understanding the causes is important, shoplifting has a significant impact on businesses, staff, customers and local communities, and we remain committed to bringing offenders to justice.”

Police said the new approach is intended to balance an understanding of those causes with firm action against offences affecting shops and the wider community.