On the Road with NBCC Lead Lisa Maslen
October was a busy month for NBCC Lead Lisa Maslen, who hit the road to connect with partners, share insights and drive forward the national conversation on tackling business and retail crime. From Leicester to Parliament, Lisa’s diary has been full of opportunities to strengthen partnerships and raise awareness about the impact of crime on our business communities.
A Strong Start in Leicester
The month kicked off with a face-to-face meeting of police business crime SPOCs in Leicester, a valuable opportunity to hear from ACC Alex Goss on the scale and impact of retail crime across the country. Lisa discussed the Tackling Retail Crime Together strategy, launched in July, and its seven pillars, the backbone of the NBCC’s ongoing work to support businesses and policing teams in reducing retail crime.
This was followed by the Retail Crime Advisory Group, where members received updates on progress being made through the Fusion Cell, a collaboration between OPAL and the NBCC. The group also explored forming sub-groups focused on key areas of retail crime management, including partnerships with the security industry, software vendors, and trade bodies.
Retail Risk and the Power of Connection
On October 2nd, Lisa attended Retail Risk, one of the largest gatherings of retail risk and loss prevention professionals. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share experiences, and listen first-hand to retailers’ concerns and challenges.
Shedding Light on Tool Theft
Just a few days later, on October 7th, Lisa spoke at the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) conference at the Henry Ford Academy in Daventry. Presenting to a full auditorium, she delivered a compelling talk on the business cost of tool theft, highlighting not only the financial impact but also the hidden toll it takes on tradespeople’s wellbeing. From repair bills to rescheduled jobs, tool theft’s ripple effects are felt far and wide.
Celebrating Community Success
On October 9th, Lisa joined the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships in Birmingham, an event full of positivity and community spirit. Local BIDs and BCRPs showcased how their work is making a tangible difference, helping businesses and shoppers feel safer. Alongside Police CPI, the Retail Crime Prevention Toolkit was launched, providing practical guidance and resources to support retail security efforts nationwide.
Taking the Message to Parliament
Just a few days later, on October 13th, Lisa was invited to Parliament by Portsmouth MP Amanda Martin to discuss the growing issue of tool theft. Lisa praised the MP’s passion and commitment to tackling this issue and looks forward to collaborating further to ensure tool theft remains firmly on the government agenda.
Building Partnerships in Hampshire
On October 14th, Lisa travelled to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner’s Business Crime Partnership, where she spoke to a well attended group about the Tackling Retail Crime Together strategy. The session also showcased best practices from local initiatives that are already having a real impact in their areas.
Supporting Independent Retailers
A few days later, on October 16th, Lisa attended the Better Retailing Festival in Birmingham, where she hosted a masterclass on preventative measures for retailers, engaging with community policing, and national crime trends. The audience, largely made up of independent convenience retailers, reflected the heart of the UK’s retail community. Their engagement and enthusiasm highlighted just how vital small retailers are in building safer, stronger neighbourhoods.
A National Perspective in the Thames Valley
Rounding off a packed month, Lisa joined the Thames Valley Police Retail Crime Forum on October 22nd, hosted by PCC Matthew Barber. Addressing a diverse mix of national and local retailers, as well as BIDs, she shared updates on retail crime trends and the continuing progress of the Tackling Retail Crime Together strategy.
Looking Ahead
From national conferences to local partnerships, October demonstrated the NBCC’s unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation, and action. Through these conversations and connections, Lisa continues to ensure that tackling retail and business crime remains a shared national priority, one that protects livelihoods, supports communities, and strengthens the bonds between policing and business.
